Spinnerbait trailer hooks

[bugman]

How often do you use a trailer hook on a spinnerbait? I was watching a Kevin VanDam DVD and it looks like he always uses a trailer hook except in clear water. I use 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2oz spinnerbait most of the time but I'm not sure what size trailer hook I should be using for each bait. Should I match the size with the hook on the spinnerbait or go smaller?

[jdw174]

You'll get varying opinions here, but as for me, I NEVER fish a spinnerbait without a trailer hook.  As for KVD, he fishes one the same way, regardless of cover, water clarity, or whatever.

[Gorgebassman]

I rarely ever fish anything less than a 3/8 oz spinner bait and I always have a trailer hook on when I fish a spinner bait as well as a buzzbait.

[NJBassDevil3254]

I almost never fish with a trailer hook. Most of the time they just nail the main hook and then the trailer hook gets jammed into their side or gill plate or something like that. If the bass are hitting the spinnerbait short, then I'll cut the skirt down the the bottom of the main hook.

[Al Wolbach]

I use a trailor hook anytime I throw a spinnerbait or buzzbait. I normally use a 2/0 trailor hook regardless size of bait, but I don't think it really matters what size you use as long as it is 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0. I would avoid anything larger or smaller..........Al

[Sam]

Fishing for fun, no, I do not usually use a trailer hook.

Fishing in a tournament, yes, on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.  Always. No exceptions.

[Catt]

Never use one on spinner baits or buzz baits! No exceptions  

[Other.]

I start with not using them but If i notice that im getting alot of short strikes ill take off the trailer and put on a trailer hook.

[RI_Bass_Guy]

When fun or pre fishing never.

In a tournament always. In the open water I will flip the trailer hook over so the point is down under the bait. In cover I rig it normal.

Sometimes when fishing for smallies over open water I will use 2 trailer hooks.

[justfishin]

Always, unless I am throwing a spinnerbait around wood or if the grass is really floating on the water like when it dies in the later fall. Usually a 1 or 2/0.

[CJ]

Never use one on spinner baits or buzz baits! No exceptions

Please explain why not.

I am with Sam on this,hardly ever during rec fishin',always in a tournament.

[Papa_Tom]

Used to years ago.  Probably haven't used a trailer hook in 10 years, and I honestly can't say I can tell a loss in efficiency.  Won't say I never would use one, just saying I haven't seen the need for one in a long time.

[NEBassMan]

I have trailer hooks on ALL of my spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.  I don't tournament fish. 8-)

Jason

[Curado]

I always use a trailer hook.

[Munkin]

I use a 2/0 trailer hook most of the time unless they are clobbering the bait or I am getting hung a lot.

Allen

[Catt]

I have never seen any evidence prove trailer hooks make a difference other than getting hung up. I know everyone is gonna say but look the bass is hooked on just the trailer hook; I say how do you know the bass would not have been caught on the main hook?

On Toledo Bend I do not fish spinner baits or buzz baits in open water, I throw them in places most people will not throw a worm. I would say 99.95% of the time I'm chunking into some type of heavy cover be it grass, trees, or brush.

[dink]

Everything Catt said times two. When I fish a spinnerbait, I usually hit 2 - 3 branches with it... on the way in... and 20 on the retrieve. I like it in the jungle, but the jungle don't like trailer hooks. Besides, if the fish are short striking that means something is not quite right with the spinnerbait. Shortening the skirt, changing color, changing blade size/configuration or changing overall size almost always remedies the short strike.  No trailer hooks for me.

tarzan

[Guest avid]

I hate trailer hooks.

I don't use them on spinnerbaits or buzzbaits.  Yes, I do loose a few fish because of it, but they cost me fish too by picking up weeds I would have come through clean.  I shorten the skirts up a bit on the buzzers and that helps more than you might think.

Trailer hooks are a pain in the butt.  They tangle up my other lures, pick up weeds, and just plain suck.

[KenDammit28]

RARELY ever use a trailer hook.  Anytime I have used one or seen someone using one..the fish is still always on the main hook and the trailer hook is in some bad place on the fish.  

I am another who feels that the difference is negligable.  Honestly, I think trailer hooks are a bit overrated.  They are made out to be great fish keepers, but I've just never seen them make a real difference in anything other than getting hung up/mucked up.

[Sir Catch Alot]

i use a trailer hook half the time...sometimes bc i'm to lazy to put 1 on but most of the time if there is a lot of cover i don't put 1 on bc of snags...but in open water and very lttle cover i usually have a trailer hook on....to tell you the truth i catch more fish w/out a trailer hook