Replacing Trebles on Norman Deep Little N

[steelheader316]

I just received a TW care package in the mail including some Norman Deep Little Ns. I had never seen this bait in person and was surprised as I thought it would be smaller.

 

Having acquired some KVD 2x triple grip trebles in 6,4, and 2 sizes, I am considering replacing the trebles on the Deep Little Ns. They appear to be size 4. Any issues going bigger with a size 2 kvd treble? The bigger size seems to fit the bait better, but I do not want to compromise action.

 

any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Dwight Hottle]

I will go up one size when replacing stock hooks. 

[steelheader316]

16 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I will go up one size when replacing stock hooks. 

Thank you, Dwight. I appreciate it!

[Captain Phil]

I would leave it as it is.  If you change the hooks you may change the action and/or vibration of the bait. Norman has been around for a long time and they know how to build a bass bait.  There are few lures that I modify and those are ones that come with crappy hooks to begin with.  For example, for years Rattle Traps had the worst hooks in the industry. If the bass you expect to catch are extra large, you can try one size larger as Dwight stated.  Personally, I am not a fan of inward or sideways tilting treble hooks.  I like my trebles with wide straight round bends and super sharp points.

[steelheader316]

3 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

I would leave it as it is.  If you change the hooks you may change the action and/or vibration of the bait. Norman has been around for a long time and they know how to build a bass bait.  There are few lures that I modify and those are ones that come with crappy hooks to begin with.  For example, for years Rattle Traps had the worst hooks in the industry. If the bass you expect to catch are extra large, you can try one size larger as Dwight stated.  Personally, I am not a fan of inward or sideways tilting treble hooks.  I like my trebles with wide straight round bends and super sharp points.

Thank you for your perspective. The main fishery these baits will be used has legitimate 9lb smallmouth in it. Though I would never expect a fish like that, it could happen on any cast, so I want to be as prepared as possible. The stock hooks on the Normans look decent, so now I’m in a quandary. 

[WRB]

Norman lures are now owned by Pradco and made in Mexico as I recall.

Before wasting money changing hooks test the lures for fishing catching ability. To do this troll each lure where you know bass are located. Set aside the lures that catch a few bass, size doesn’t matter. Spend several hours trolling in lazy S pattern to weed out duds and keepers.

Norman Little N’s are sensitive the rear treble hook weight so use hooks that weigh the same if you up size.

Owner STX 45 are lighter weight Zo wire hooks, available in size 3.

Tom

[Columbia Craw]

The hooks on Norman DLN baits made in Guatemala are decent and don’t need to be switched out until they become dull.  I switch them out at that point with Owner ST36 in size 4 which has worked for me since I can remember. The early versions had the bronze finish hooks and were sub par. I’ve fished them since 1982 and all but one of my PB Smallie’s were caught on a DLN bait.

[padon]

i would stick to the same size but its up to you. you may also want to keep one the same and upsize the other to make sure they dont get "locked". man i had some days on the deep little n in the early and mid 90s . still catch fish on them but for whatever reason i smoked them on them back then.

[steelheader316]

7 hours ago, WRB said:

Norman lures are now owned by Pradco and made in Mexico as I recall.

Before wasting money changing hooks test the lures for fishing catching ability. To do this troll each lure where you know bass are located. Set aside the lures that catch a few bass, size doesn’t matter. Spend several hours trolling in lazy S pattern to weed out duds and keepers.

Norman Little N’s are sensitive the rear treble hook weight so use hooks that weigh the same if you up size.

Owner STX 45 are lighter weight Zo wire hooks, available in size 3.

Tom

Thank you very much for this advice. I love it, since I know from pulling plugs for steelhead there are “swimmers” and then there are time-wasting lures. Unfortunately, I do not have a boat to do this, but when I do, I will follow this advice. Your point is well taken regarding the sensitive balance these lures may have with the weight of stock hooks. I will seriously consider this before changing, if I do. 

6 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

The hooks on Norman DLN baits made in Guatemala are decent and don’t need to be switched out until they become dull.  I switch them out at that point with Owner ST36 in size 4 which has worked for me since I can remember. The early versions had the bronze finish hooks and were sub par. I’ve fished them since 1982 and all but one of my PB Smallie’s were caught on a DLN bait.

Thank you sir! I appreciate your perspective. I am very OCD about sharpening hooks with an extra-fine EZ-Lap diamond sharpener (one of the best fishing tools there is, IMO), so sharpness will always be there when I’m fishing. After the stock hooks wear, I will look at your suggestion to replace.

 

This place is awesome! Everyone is very helpful, and I really appreciate it. 

7 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

The hooks on Norman DLN baits made in Guatemala are decent and don’t need to be switched out until they become dull.  I switch them out at that point with Owner ST36 in size 4 which has worked for me since I can remember. The early versions had the bronze finish hooks and were sub par. I’ve fished them since 1982 and all but one of my PB Smallie’s were caught on a DLN bait.

These baits look awesome with the pint and sparkle finish. I was pleasantly surprised considering what they looked like on TW’s website.

 

I’m really excited for the sparkle blue/black June Bug-sequel colored ones. I have a feeling they might be effective in the murky cold water of North Idaho’s pre spawn trophy period. 

[Dwight Hottle]

@steelheader316 are you fishing Dworshak reservoir or Lake Pend Oreille? They both have stellar reputations for big smallies. 

[steelheader316]

On 8/4/2023 at 4:49 AM, Dwight Hottle said:

@steelheader316 are you fishing Dworshak reservoir or Lake Pend Oreille? They both have stellar reputations for big smallies. 

Dworshak. Had a guided trip this spring with my son, no biggies, but I learned quite a bit. I’m bank bound, but I should be able to effectively fish it preseason and late fall when the big girls come shallow. There are some giants in Pend O’reille as well, but that’s out of my neighborhood. 
 

You fish Erie, yes?

[Dwight Hottle]

I used to live in Erie PA for 12 years chasing smallies until I moved to FL full time. I have gone back up to Erie the last two years in May for a week getting my smallie fix. 

 

[steelheader316]

7 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I used to live in Erie PA for 12 years chasing smallies until I moved to FL full time. I have gone back up to Erie the last two years in May for a week getting my smallie fix. 

 

That’s awesome! Have you ever fished Dworshak or the northwest for smallies?

[Dwight Hottle]

No but I would love to give it a try. I do have a buddy that lives & works in Washington state that fishes for them. Good luck this fall on Dworshak. 

[MickD]

I have never changed hooks on them until the originals rusted.  If changing hooks, get short shank so that the front and rear don't tangle.  I would not go up  a size either.  These little jewels catch fish, and don't need bigger hooks to do it.   Hope you got gel craw finish, that is the best I've found.

[steelheader316]

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

No but I would love to give it a try. I do have a buddy that lives & works in Washington state that fishes for them. Good luck this fall on Dworshak. 

Thank you, sir! You should come out.. it’s a really cool area. Big trees, big water, big smallies.