Jerkbait hardware recommendations

[Hook2Jaw]

I really like the Lucky Craft Lightning Pointer 110.  The bait casts very well, better than all of my jerkbaits except the Jackall Rerange.  The problem is that is has a pretty quick float.  I've remedied this with .57 grams of suspenstrip.

 

With the additional .57 grams, it suspends in my typical winter water.  I just don't like the obnoxious lead strips down the bottom of my bait, it takes away from the natural look.  I realize hooks and split rings do as well, and this is just a nitpicking issue.

 

What isn't a nitpicking issue is the stock VMC #6 trebles aren't as sharp as a lot of other offerings, and the stock VMC split rings aren't as strong as others.

 

I've been through multiple threads looking at hook and split ring weights, and can't find enough of a weight upgrade to gain .57 grams.

 

Does anyone have any hardware recommendations to gain the weight I'm missing?

[FishTank]

The LC Pointer has probably the best suspend rate out any jerkbait,  including the Megabass 110. If your water is still cold, let's say around 55 degrees,  that bait will rise. Once the water warms all the way up, that bait might slowly sink. 

 

There are things that can help besides adding lead strips.  Number one would be line, 8-10lb Fluorocarbon. Next, don't fish it on slack line. Pull it to you a fuzz. You can use a bigger oval split ring and Owner ST-36 hooks but these are not my jerkbait hook of choice.  I like the Ryugi Pierce. Another option is to wrap thin wire around the shank of the hook.

[Hook2Jaw]

@FishTank I've got a couple Pointers and you're very correct.  They suspend beautifully.  The bait I'm concerned about is the Lucking Craft Lightning Pointer.  It's 5 dollars cheaper than the Pointer.

 

I've taken a look at the ST-36, and it's actually lighter than a VMC #6.  I need to gain weight, not lose it.  I do plan to upgrade the split rings one size higher.

[FishTank]

4 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

@FishTank I've got a couple Pointers and you're very correct.  They suspend beautifully.  The bait I'm concerned about is the Lucking Craft Lightning Pointer.  It's 5 dollars cheaper than the Pointer.

 

I've taken a look at the ST-36, and it's actually lighter than a VMC #6.  I need to gain weight, not lose it.  I do plan to upgrade the split rings one size higher.

Sounds like a plan. 

 

I've never weighed the VMC hooks. Good to know.  I always considered the ST-36 to be the heaviest, probably because I've never bent one out. 

 

I have a couple of Lightning Pointers and they are different from the regular version but I never considered that they might suspend differently.  They just feel like a cheaper bait to me. I never really got why Lucky Craft went this direction. 

[Hook2Jaw]

7 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Sounds like a plan. 

 

I've never weighed the VMC hooks. Good to know.  I always considered the ST-36 to be the heaviest, probably because I've never bent one out. 

 

I have a couple of Lightning Pointers and they are different from the regular version but I never considered that they might suspend differently.  They just feel like a cheaper bait to me. I never really got why Lucky Craft went this direction. 

I'm incorrect.  An Owner ST36 comes in at .5 grams.  A VMC round bend #6 comes in at .46 grams according to my scale.  The ST36 gains me .12 of the .57 grams I need for good suspension, so I'm down to .45!

 

Maybe someone will come along and offer up a heavier hook.

 

As for your point about the cheaper bait offerings from LC, I suppose they did it for anglers like me that don't want to spend 15 bucks on a bait.  I suppose after I switch the hooks and rings out, I'll be approaching 15 dollars.  I'm still absolutely amazed at the way the Lightning Pointer 110 wanders from left to right very, very well, and have gained a lot of confidence in that little 10 dollar jerkbait.

 

That's why I'm trying to make it a little more perfect for me.

[casts_by_fly]

Instead of the strips on the bait you can wrap lead wire around a hook.

 

you can also add a second split ring 

[Munkin]

Try upgrading the front two hooks to size 4. If you still need more weight wrap solder around the front two hooks.

 

Allen

[Dwight Hottle]

Here is your answer. You can trim the weight with side cutters. Just attach it to the center split ring. I like using Owner ZoWwire hooks to replace inadequate stock hooks. They have a slight inward bend on the hook point like old eagle claw hooks which helps keep fish pinned when lightly hooked.   https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Nishine_Lure_Works_Original_Outer_Weight_3pk/descpage-NOW.html?from=gshop&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuYuvBhApEiwAzq_YiRGvmxL4e42MQhEzYKGaz2tT4O_qMMUOK8nK8hII8JbLGO9zS_koaB