I've been using micro crankbaits for crappie this year and really enjoying it. But I've noticed that my hook up rate to "hits" and landing ratio to hooked is not where I'd like it.
Saw an article on switching treble hooks to single inline hooks and gave it a try. Couldn't find the hooks locally so I ordered direct online from Owner... size #6 & #4.
I use the Rapala UL shad size 04. Spent a morning switching the hooks to #6. Now for the test.
Crappie have been hitting the chrome, so I trolled with one with single hooks and one with the treble hooks at the same time. Couldn't believe the big difference! Hooked 14 and landed 13 on the singles and hooked 3 and landed 1 on the trebles. The single hooks were hooking well in the lower and upper part of the mouth, no light hookups like most treble hook sets.
Needless to say, all of my crappie crankbaits now have inline single hooks!
Most lures come with trebles because of looks not functionality,I think fish can use the other hooks on a treble as leverage to release themselves . I’ve been changing them out for years and believe singles are better.
I totally agree! Other advantages - a lot easier to unhook, do less harm to the fish, don't get so hung up in the net...
Huntm22
Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven
The go to for catching! You did good.
JohnG
Loc: Long Island NY.
Single hooks are the way to go. I’ve switched to them on most of my saltwater lures. Much easier to release fish, and hook ups are better.
Do you have the single hook point pointing towards the head of the lures or towards the back ?
Thanks
I don't use any treble hooks. I replace them with single Siwash hooks. These hooks are sharp and tough, and much easier to remove from the fish's mouth.
The front hook needs to hang with the point to the front and the back hook when hanging needs to point to the back,assuming you are holding the lure with both hooks hanging straight down. Owner in line hook packs show this clearly.
Thank you. I never seen lures with single hooks replacing trebles. Again, thanks for the information.
There are more than a few reasons to make the switch, but the best one is - singles hook and land more fish than treble hooks, at least that's my experience.😊
I love landing more fish. Does this work for crankbaits as well as top water?
Yes, another person learns the joy of single hooks! Been changing them out for years.
The experiment I did fishing for crappie was with crankbaits.
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