Exchanging treble hooks for single hooks

[Hawgfinder]

Forgive this post if redundant. I was curious if anyone changes out treble hooks for single hooks on jerk baits or top water baits? And if so what kind of single hooks do you use and or a rule of thumb you use for the size of the bait to the size of the hook?

I really dislike dealing with treble hooks stuck in the net and the fish and the flopping around and my fingers just waiting to get caught in the fiasco especially with smallmouth.

Thanks for any input

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, Hawgfinder said:

Forgive this post if redundant. I was curious if anyone changes out treble hooks for single hooks on jerk baits or top water baits? And if so what kind of single hooks do you use and or a rule of thumb you use for the size of the bait to the size of the hook?

I really dislike dealing with treble hooks stuck in the net and the fish and the flopping around and my fingers just waiting to get caught in the fiasco especially with smallmouth.

Thanks for any input

Not on JBs. What I do when the bite is on, and they are really eating it, is I bend the point on each hook facing down (the one facing forward when hanging down) until the point touches the shank, and then squeeze the barbs down on all the other points. 

[padlin]

I just changed a bunch of lures over but have yet to fish them as it's still winter here. I used VMC Inline's http://VMC Inline Single 1X Coastal Black #1, One Size 

 

These look like the same in an Owner, which would have been better as you can get them in smaller sizes. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Single_Replacement_Hook_X_Strong/descpage-OSRH.html?from=gshop&msclkid=86fddc59e34a13b32f91be1974e87bb0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping - All Baits%3Abshop&utm_term=4579809529737077&utm_content=Terminal Tackle I liked these as they are fairly short, tried trailer hooks but they were too long.

 

I did need to pick up some split rings as the old ones on the cranks took on a permanent bend once they were spread, the new ones closed back up. On a few lures I was able to open the single hooks enough to go over the existing eye, some not. Some needed a split ring added just to get the hook into the right orientation.

 

It was a bit tricky getting the hooks on right, I kept putting them on bass ackwards, but then I'm a rookie at it.

[Aaron_H]

I've played with the Owner single replacement on lipless baits here and there and haven't experienced any loss of hookup ratio with them. I haven't used them on jerkbaits yet but I may put some time into that and see. If I do I'll update.

[cyclops2]

I keep a TIGHT line until in the net. 

SMB   are experts at tossing trebles as they come to the boat.

 

   Love them.

[JustJames]

I use VMC incline 1x hook about 2 size bigger than original hook. I only switch topwater and lipless not jerkbait. Jerkbait would need some modification to suspend/slow float or slow sink after replacing hooks. There are chart for inline single hook replacement available.

 

[Aaron_H]

On 3/27/2022 at 2:07 PM, Aaron_H said:

I've played with the Owner single replacement on lipless baits here and there and haven't experienced any loss of hookup ratio with them. I haven't used them on jerkbaits yet but I may put some time into that and see. If I do I'll update.

 

Just a mini update: I only have the 1/0 size Owner single hooks from when I was testing them on lipless baits (to replace size 4 trebles), put them on one of my 1/2 oz jerkbaits that uses size 6 trebles. I was worried they would be too big/heavy, but on my food scale the bait still weighs the same with the bigger single hooks versus the trebles. Action doesn't seem to be affected, still good wide slashing action. Just made a few casts out back so I can't comment on hookup ratio yet but I'll fish with it the next few trips and see how it does.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I've replaced most of my saltwater plugs and metal with singles.  It's much easier on the fish and the angler. If the fish actually eats the bait the hookup ratio is as good or better.  When they just slap at the bait the treble is going to hook more fish.

You either want the 1x VMCs or the Owner 1x, both are really good.  The Owners may have a slightly lighter wire.  

For a start get a pack of Owner 1s from Amazon and go from there.

[Hawgfinder]

It’s been awhile but thanks for the info. Winter won’t go away so been pouting. The ice just went out this week.. weather lousy till next week according to the weather guru. 

[michaelb]

Yes i do. You can keep the front treble and just put a single on the rear too. I do this for pike and singles catch bass just fine too. And way easier to release pike and the net (bass are usually easier to release generally)