replacing hooks that are attached via eyelet screw

[Chris at Tech]

Some plugs I have in my box have a treble that's attached via an eyelet screw so you can't simply unscrew it and replace the hook (like the rear hook on a Devil's horse).

Any tricks for replacing these hooks?  I hate that I can get 1-2 good hooks on a lure like this, but leave the crappy one on the rear.

[grimlin]

My guess would be cut the hook off,put on one of those split rings and then put a new hook on.

[Guest Wiimote_Angler]

I was going to say the same thing.  If its such a crappy hook you'd have no problem with destroying it.  You may also want to use a split ring on the other two hooks so you don't have to unscrew them off.

[Randall]

I change all my hooks that are made that way. Add a split ring and new hook.

[rboat]

Use a small needlenose pliers and gently open the eye on the screw, replace the hook and crimp eye back closed. I have done this on all my baits that use those screw in eye type screws.

[Tokyo Tony]

I also replace all my hooks that don't come attached to a split ring.  Just cut the hook eye with pliers or wire cutters, attach split ring to hook, attach split ring to screw.  

Odds are, if the bait doesn't come already with split rings, the hooks are crappy anyway.  Plus, I think split rings will reduce the number of fish that throw the bait because there's a little more flexibility when he's jumping around.

[ABC123]

Some plugs I have in my box have a treble that's attached via an eyelet screw so you can't simply unscrew it and replace the hook (like the rear hook on a Devil's horse).

Any tricks for replacing these hooks? I hate that I can get 1-2 good hooks on a lure like this, but leave the crappy one on the rear.

I usually change the front hook(s) to smaller ones then what came on the lure adding a split ring if needed, then I always add a split ring with either the original hook, or an upgraded same size hook in the rear. I have little to no hook tangling issues this way. Longer lures may not require the size change, but the shorter lures like Hula poppers, Bass oreno's, Jitterbugs, and the likes, do.

[T-rig]

I change all my hooks that are made that way. Add a split ring and new hook.

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