ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website
General Angling Topics => Saltwater Lure Angling => Topic started by: REEFMAN on November 16, 2011, 01:08:52 PM
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Most lures on the market are rigged with unfriendly treble hooks, or hooks that are of unacceptable strength and quality, so it sometimes becomes necessary to change these.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/pliers.jpg)
This small tut is designed to try help overcome some of the issues in replacing hooks on a lure. This is aimed at spinning techniques - light and medium tackle fishing using spoons, plugs and small poppers. Note that rigging lures for Offshore Heavy tackle Popping and Jigging require a completely different approach.
If you are a conservation minded angler and wish to release your catch, then trebles need to be replaced with single hooks. Some of the reasons singles are preferred over trebles:
- Trebles cause much damage to a fish's mouth, usually by becoming imbedded in both the top and bottom jaws, making hook removal very difficult without causing significant damage.
- Trebles have much more wind resistance through the air, decreasing casting distance.
- The gape of the hook (the distance between the hook point and the shaft) in trebles is much smaller than a single.
- There is evidence to support the theory that single hooks improve hook-up rate.
A decent pair of Split Ring pliers is essential to do the job properly. There are many different makes on the market that are suitable for light tackle split rings. Rapala make a nice spring-loaded pair. (These pliers are not suitable for heavier split rings used in Popping and Jigging)
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/pliers.jpg)
Connecting the hooks to the lure
Single hook lures have an attachment loop in front for the leader, and one at the back for the hook.
Some attachment loops are horizontally positioned, but most are vertical. (Strange that so few lure-makers have cottoned on to the idea of Single hooks instead of trebles!). Basil Manning's Iron Candy spoons and plugs have horizontal loops...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/attach%20ring.jpg)
The orientation of this loop affects the way the Hook will attach to the lure... critically affecting it's positioning in the water.
The Hook needs to lie vertically behind the lure, and it's point should be at the top. A hook facing downwards will snag everything it comes across and will end up in a lost lure.
Split Rings
Are the rings used to connect the Attachment loop to the hook. There are many different makes available. It is important to spend the extra cash and get good quality Split Rings! Owner are amongst the best...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/owner.jpg)
Be careful what you buy when it comes to Split Rings. Always look for Forged rings that have been 'stamped' out in the manufacturing process - these rings have a kink in the middle of the ring, allowing the ring to be 2 wire diameters thick. The unstamped versions are 3 diameters thick, making them essentially useless, since they are too thick to fit through the eye of the hook!
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/stamped%20ring.jpg)
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/non%20stamped%20ring.jpg)
It is important to also choose a size split ring that fits loosely through both the attachment loop and the eye of the hook.
Attaching the hook
Depending on the orientation of the attachment loop on the lure: 1 ring is needed on horizontal attachment loops and 2 are necessary on vertically orientated loops...
In a Vertical attachment loop, if only one split ring is used, then the hook will lie sideways...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/hook%20sidew.jpg)
Using a second split ring, the Hook can now be positioned correctly, with the hook point facing upwards...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/hook%20upright.jpg)
When working with Split rings, it is very important to make sure that you do not permanently bend the wires apart. This often happens when trying to stretch a split ring over too big a gap. It bends the wires and leaves a gap where a swivel or hook can slip in between the wires and work its way loose.
Horizontal attachment loops
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/hook%20up%20candy.jpg)
Another alternative in Lure-Hook setup, is to use INLINE hooks, which have the eye of the hook turned at 90deg - this allows the use of only 1 split Ring on Vertically orientated Attachment loops.
These are, however, quite difficult to get hold of in the smaller sizes. JigStar Africa stock them in 7/0 and upwards...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/inline%20hook.jpg)
Wire rings
Some lures, including most spoons, do not have attachment loops fitted inside the lure, but rather have holes drilled through the lure, which are used to attach hooks etc.
The distance between the hole in the lure and the edge of the lure is too big to try use a Split Ring! This is where split rings are deformed and warped, by anglers trying to force a split ring over the gap.
When you have a hole in the lure for attachment, then you need to make your own wire ring out of American fishing wire /Piano wire.
Click here for a tutorial by Fritz (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,3174.msg35748.html#msg35748) on how to do these...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/wire%20rings.jpg)
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/wire%20rings%202.jpg)
Stinger Hooks
Other ways of attaching hooks include the Stinger-type hook setup, which Basil Manning uses on all it's plugs - the GT Ice cream and the Chisel nose plugs. These are very effective for long casting, and can even be attached to the front of the lure as is the case with Jigging hooks. But when they are used in this way (to the front of the plug), then some heat shrink needs to be placed over the knot joining the hook to creates ome stiffness in the Stinger rig.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/GT%20Ice%20cream.jpg)
Using Line clips
When spinning for an extended period of time, it becomes very useful to use a Line clip, which is attached directly to the leader with a Fig 8 knot. This way, lures can simply be clipped on and off in a jiffy, without having to retie the knot.
There are several different types available...
The best clip is the Swannell Clip. Strong, sturdy and locally invented and made by Doug Swannel.
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7491.0;attach=151793;image)
There are many other types, some interesting designs...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/lures/line%20clips.jpg)
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=14189.0;attach=86058;image)
This is the recent Fastach Clip from Mustad. I have found it to be very user friendly - easy to use even with wet slimy hands!
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7491.0;attach=151794;image)
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WAAY too much time ....
AWESOME POST TONY !!!
(clap) (clap) (clap)
:+ cred:
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:shk That was quick! And infomative!! Thanks, Reefz
:+ cred:
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Another :win: post Tony , excellent post , those in-line hooks .. hmmm... solves a lot of problems with the split rings :shre: .
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:shre: excellent post!!! (clap) (clap)
:appr:
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Thanks Reefz!! :+ cred:
What are you guys doing with hooks on Poppers?
Two singles face to face or do you keep the trebles?
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Another great post Reefz :tkx: take some :+ cred:
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Wow... can't keep up!
UA is rocking with quality stuff!
:+ cred: for another top quality post Reefz!
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Thanks Reefz!! :+ cred:
What are you guys doing with hooks on Poppers?
Two singles face to face or do you keep the trebles?
On large poppers (offshore) - I use the Baker rig... 2 singles cable-tied back to back off the belly, and a single off the back...
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Love the teeth marks on that popper !
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very nice tut Tony. Are you at home or at work for being able to do this all so fast? :+ cred: for you my friend.
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:udman: .. (clap) ....... :win: ... :+ cred:
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Love the teeth marks on that popper !
Homie u need help its about the hooks not the teeth marks on the popper.. :hyst: :hyst:
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very nice tut Tony. Are you at home or at work for being able to do this all so fast? :+ cred: for you my friend.
Home is work... :hnthnt:
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Great post Reefz. What advantage does the Baker rig give over say 1 hook on the belly
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Nice tut Tony! :+ cred: for you sir!
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Nice post Tony.
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Super post, thanks Reefs! :+ cred:
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Good one Reefz!!
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Thanks you for all the Info Reefman !! :shre:
This will be a great help ! Now that I have more information about the lures etc. Are there any special technique to
cast and to reel in the lures ?
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Another Classy thread on UA
:uarocks :uarocks
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Great post Reefz. What advantage does the Baker rig give over say 1 hook on the belly
Completely off topic Brad, but the Baker Rig was designed by Tim Baker of Nomads Sportfishing Australia... the pic below will explain it's effect clearly...
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Thanks you for all the Info Reefman !! :shre:
This will be a great help ! Now that I have more information about the lures etc. Are there any special technique to
cast and to reel in the lures ?
I would sugest that you take any of your S-bend spoons and drag them thru the pool. Pull it at sutch a speed that the rear end makes a nice woble. ( swaying side to side ). That is the right speed to pull it at.
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You can also look at this but bear in mind that swimming action is largely dependent on speed of retrieval.
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,6606.msg93805.html#msg93805 (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,6606.msg93805.html#msg93805)
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Also check out all the sticky's in the Saltwater Lure angling section... plenty info from Tommo... one of the best around.
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/board,5.0.html (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/board,5.0.html)
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Hi Reefman
Please help. How do you do the snel hook attachment to a popper using kevlar?
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Hi Reefman
Please help. How do you do the snel hook attachment to a popper using kevlar?
Monster, here is the tut how to make an Assist Hook with Dacron/Kevlar/Zylon... http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=63.0 (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=63.0)
Instead of using it the way we do in this tut to a Solid ring, skip the ring and tie the looped end direct to the plug.
The tut above describes 2 ways of doing it - the 2nd way, where the Dacron/Kevlar is spliced inside itself is the way that the GT Ice cream plugs are rigged.
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Great post Reefz! I can endorse the fact that singles are the way to go on lures. You get a far more solid hookup and lose less fish. Another interesting point is that you lose a lot less spoons when fishing from the rocks with singles. The KZN guys have been using singles for years, and not due to concern for the fish, but because they don't want to lose spoons.
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Nice post Tony, thanks :resp:
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Awesome
Thank you reefman :ult: Rocks!
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Tommo
I agree, trebles hurt the fish, tangle in your boxes and get stuck.
All of the trebles on my spoons have been repaced and I am in the process of doing the same on all my poppers and plugs. This thread is worth gold
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Awesome
Thank you reefman :ult: Rocks!
Ok Monster... have quickly made a tut for you on how to rig Stinger hooks... this should make it a lot simpler than the Jigging/Popping methods.
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=10374.0 (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=10374.0)
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:win: Thank you Tony!!!
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I have replaced the triples on my spinning lures(like the Onde Ondas) with either 4/0 or 5/0 Mustad hoodlums. However, instead of using 2 x split rings, I gently (very gently.....else the hook breaks) eased open the eye of the hook using a side cutter and a screw driver, until there was enough space to put the hook directly onto the lure without a split ring. I then put the eye of the hook into the vice and squeezed it closed again.
I understand this probably weakens the hook, but for small edibles, it seems to be OK, and have not yet had a hook fail on me.
The big advantage of this is that hook ALWAYS faces up (with very little wobble either side), thus you seldom snag on rocks, and you can even pull over other peoples lines (when the fishing is hectic, or you cast really skew), without catching their line.
I did try using 2 x split rings, but found there was too much wobble on the hook.
Always tried the lures in the pool to see how they swam. It's amazing how awesome they look.
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Why do you position a single so that it always faces up?
Most spinning lures are designed to be fished in the surface layer. Therefore wouldn't it make sense that most fish attack from underneath? So, in theory a downward facing hook would elicit a better hook up.
Obviously this depends on the species, whether a ram feeder or a suction feeder.
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I have replaced the triples on my spinning lures(like the Onde Ondas) with either 4/0 or 5/0 Mustad hoodlums. However, instead of using 2 x split rings, I gently (very gently.....else the hook breaks) eased open the eye of the hook using a side cutter and a screw driver, until there was enough space to put the hook directly onto the lure without a split ring. I then put the eye of the hook into the vice and squeezed it closed again.
I understand this probably weakens the hook, but for small edibles, it seems to be OK, and have not yet had a hook fail on me.
The big advantage of this is that hook ALWAYS faces up (with very little wobble either side), thus you seldom snag on rocks, and you can even pull over other peoples lines (when the fishing is hectic, or you cast really skew), without catching their line.
I did try using 2 x split rings, but found there was too much wobble on the hook.
Always tried the lures in the pool to see how they swam. It's amazing how awesome they look.
:tkx: Ian , how's some pics ???
Thanks
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Why do you position a single so that it always faces up?
Most spinning lures are designed to be fished in the surface layer. Therefore wouldn't it make sense that most fish attack from underneath? So, in theory a downward facing hook would elicit a better hook up.
Obviously this depends on the species, whether a ram feeder or a suction feeder.
With spinning from the shore/rocks, we try many types of retrieves, as close as possible to structure, often allowing a sinking lure to bounce off the bottom. An inverted hook would stand a good chance of snagging.
The surface lures we use, generally tend to be retrieved quite fast, with the fish chasing the lure from behind? :dunno:
With a slower retrieved surface lure, with pauses, the hook would drop vertically with gravity - so orientation then wouldn't make a difference?
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That's great, thanks for the explanation. (clap)
I guess spinning from the boat where the fish come from below is a bit different. Also we tend to retrieve fast.
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Quality stuff , thank you Reef
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Awesome post...wish i'd come across this sooner!!! :+ cred:
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Quite the Reefman standard we've come to expect. Thank you Tony. If I may just add a comment regarding split rings that have been opened/stretched a bit. Just use a pair of long nose or round nose pliers and twist one end over the other. If more clarity is needed I could post a couple of pics.
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yes please do - I always have that problem - maybe trying to open them too much but when getting older one's eyesight goes....
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Ok Stephan - here goes
Pic 1 - I've deliberately stretched this split ring with a screwdriver for purposes of this post.
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Pic 2 - I'm holding the stretched split ring with a pair of long and round nose pliers. This could have been two pairs of long nose pliers.
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Pic 3 - The objective is to flip one ring completely over the other.
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Pic 4 - You need to hold the rings in place to avoid them from springing into their original position.
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Pic 5 - Ring completely flipped over and no gap between them. Hopefully the Pics explain better than my text..
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eish - Harold well done - I would never have thought that - brilliant - I will definite try this - I always bugger up a couple of rings before I get it right or use over size ones just because I bend the smaller ones open and then being scared it will shed the hook I have to replace. - thanks for the share. You sure this does not weaken the ring ?
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Harold's trick works. Been doing it for years...
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Very good, you learn something every day!!
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Sheesh, how did I miss Harold's trick...! This is gonna save me some rings over time! :+ cred: Great post!
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:+ cred:awesome..thx for sharing
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:win: there are so many good ideas that the owner thinks everyone knows. One only has to watch/help an older Tradesman doing his thing , plumber, toolmaker, sparkie. I learnt a lot watching my friends dads .Colin. :toppie:
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I honestly did not noticed the differences between vertical and horizontal couplings on the the lures, very interesting, do make a lot of sense.
Thank you very much. Appreciate a lot. (clap)
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Great thread!
Enjoyed it very much
:grk: :grk:
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@ Reefs......
Was this a CID (Iron candy) lure from Basil Manning ?
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Ya it was one of the early Iron Candy's.
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Thks Reefs.
Reason for asking is, my friend had 2 similar spoons, exact same colour (red & white) if not the exact same as the CID's.
He can't recall what make they were, nor where bought them from.
He lost 1 to a bus sized shad in the shallows at Maphelane & only have the 1 left which has been bitten silly by shad & needs a new paint job.
We also trying to find a similar S-bend mold to cast a few & revive the Red & white shad slayer.....He swears by them.
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This is the last 1 left after cleaned of the little paint that was left.
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We all have favourite spoons. Some of them no longer available. Keep them as a "master" and make a mold. Silicone or Plaster of Paris.
Silicone is a little more tricky than POP and way more expensive. A a POP mold will give you more than 30 pours and if you take a little care making it , will last for years.
A little secret trick to improve your mold is to add about 25% pva glue to your water before mixing. This strengthens the mold. Remember to polish and smooth your spoon properly before molding.
Through wire is the way to go , but can be tricky. If you are drilling the holes then just inspect your spoons regularly for damage . Chuck in pot for later melting if too damaged
Natal and Cape spoons are different in we dont have to contend with those Cape winds. So a lot of our spoons are not suitable for through wire.
Saying that , have also in 50 years of fishing not had a spoon break or fail. It's a bit of quality control.
Make your own spoons, its actually fun.
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Visenvryheid,
Can we contact you please?
Regards
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Visenvryheid is no longer active on UA. They made him a Moderator on another forum, so he doesn't come here anymore.
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Thank you Reefman.