Treble Hooks: How to Get the Most Out of Every Bait

This is probably the most underrated video we've ever done. On the surface it seems like such a mundane topic but there is no other topic that can make a bigger instant impact on your fishing and your wallet than understanding treble hooks. So what's the deal? Why do we care so much about hooks? You can take a single bait and change how it moves, how it sinks, how fish bite it, and sometimes even where they get hooked, just by understanding your hooks.  If you commit to the next 17 1/2 minutes and make it all the way through this video you will absolutely be a better angler on the other end!

We use hooks every time we hit the water but very few anglers really understand those hooks, how they really work, and how to make them work for you. With some basic knowledge you can learn to switch wire size, hook shape, color, or brand at the right times to drastically increase the number of fish you land!

While this topic seems mundane on the surface, I can't help but get excited about it. There is no other aspect of fishing that have more of an impact on your actual catch rates than your hooks, yet most anglers completely neglect them. When I ask a guy what his favorite hook is I'm invariably met with something like "Triple Grips", "Owner", or "Gami". Very few anglers even consider their options within a brand, let alone branching across various brands to match the different circumstances on the water.

Again, I challenge you to make it through to the end of this video. I know its long but it will change the number of fish you catch in the coming months. This video is about trebles but much of the information applies to single hooks as well.

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Hooks are expensive and having a large assortment on hand can get pretty pricey but if you learn how to use them to impact sink rates you can have a single lure do all sorts of different things, saving a lot of money in the long run. Get yourself some quality split ring pliers because you're probably going to start changing hooks a lot more!

My favorite hooks for the various categories are:

• Gamakatsu Round bend 1x Treble RED (hardbaits when bass are slapping)
• Gamakatsu 4x Treble (soft swimbaits)
• Gamakatsu EWG Treble Red and Bronze (hardbaits that get engulfed)
• Owner ST-36 1x Treble Black or Red (All hardbaits)
• Owner ST-56 3x Treble Black (hardbaits for large bass or faster sink rates)

Texas Rigs: When to Peg the Weight, When to Leave it Free

This week Tim compares the benefits of fishing a Texas Rig with a pegged weight to fishing it with a free sliding weight. We as anglers typically latch on to one method or the other. We all have our favorites and that's okay but when it comes to putting bass in the boat, we need to stay open-minded.  

Understanding when to fish each method can be the difference between a banner day and just putting a few fish in the boat. Pegging the weight on a Texas Rig is a great method in and around cover but if you're fishing an open bottom or around docks and wood, you can't beat the slow falling action of an unpegged rig.

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For a pegged rig Tim recommends using bobber stops, his favorite at the moment is the Paycheck baits. He typically pairs this with a tungsten weight. If you prefer your weight have an insert, you can't beat the Reins or River2Sea. If you prefer no insert, we've had great luck with Vike Tungsten lately.

Whether you're throwing an Ol' Monster, a Brush Hog, or a Keitech Crazy Flapper, the next time you're on the water and your fish stop responding to the bait, trying mixing it up, change the weight, and see if it makes a difference. Good luck out there!

How to Tune a Crankbait

Its so frustrating to reach in to your box, choose a crankbait, make that perfect cast, and find out the bait won't run straight. In some cases the bait may even spiral back toward the surface. Luckily, there is a really simple solution to this problem!

All you need is a pair of needle nose pliers. For us boaters, Tackle Warehouse offers quite a few pairs of stainless steel and aluminum pliers to avoid rust.  If your bait is tracking to the right, slightly bend the metal anchor in the bill to the left. If its tracking left, gently bend right. Keep in mind that its very easy to over-bend and create an even more significant pull in the other direction, so make very small adjustments at first.

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Lastly, don't forget that you can intentionally cause the bait to run sideways. Let's say you're fishing a rip rap bank that extends for a few hundred yards. Instead of having a bait that tracks parallel to the wall, a simple adjustment can make the bait track toward the rocks, causing the bait to deflect and draw more fish as it bounces along the wall.

We hope these tips helps! Stay tuned for next week and until then, good luck out there!

Ben Parker Flutter Spoon Modifications and Tricks

The Ben Parker Magnum Flutter Spoon made a big splash in recent tournaments and has since been gaining momentum around the country. Amazingly, many fishermen that were previously afraid to throw big baits have latched on to the spoon without issue. Like all flutter-style spoons the Ben Parker spoon has a seductive fall that lures bass into biting. Where it differs from the pack is its amazing size, virtually identical to the profile of an 8" Huddleston Swimbait.

I couldn't be more excited to see a new genre of lure bridging the gap between big bait fishing and tournament fishing. These two categories of bass fishing have been at opposite ends of the spectrum for too long! The magnum spoon is a great way for anglers in different parts of the country to build confidence and begin branching in to bigger baits.

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Photo courtesy of Outdoor Pro Shop

The key to success with this (and all other) spoons is to make some simple modifications that will put the odds in your favor. 

First and foremost, never trust the stock hook on a spoon. Very few companies produce a spoon with a quality hook. The Ben Parker is a stout hook but if you intend to use it I recommend sharpening it before making the first cast.

Second, always add a second hook. While it may seem like a strange addition letting a treble slide up and down the line above your spoon it will make sense the first time you get a bite. Adding a stinger treble hook increases the ratio of bites to hook ups dramatically. It takes a little getting used to but after a few casts you'll be a pro at making sure the spoon and stinger treble are working together by the time the spoon reaches bottom. By using a sliding treble the bait will fall away from the fish during the fight, leaving you a direct connection to the bass without 3 ounces of metal flapping around, pulling the hook out of the fish's mouth.

The Ben Parker Spoon is big but its a great addition to any arsenal. If you've seen success with a flutter spoon in the past don't be afraid to branch out, go big, and find the bigger bass that have been lurking on your favorite ledge all along! Don't forget to modify that bait before you hit the water and you will see a huge increase in your success!