bluefishjim Loc: rocky Point, NC

Ok I plan on removing the treble hooks on my hard baits, I really hate them. My question is two fold, first what type of hook is best and second can you get away with just a single hook on back of bait?

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

We replace our hooks with at least 2 or 3X treble hooks. But if you prefer you can change them out for single hooks as well.

DC Loc: Washington state

a lot of areas out here have to have single hooks so I have replaced most of my spoons, and plugs with single hooks depending on the lure a lot of times I will add a small swivel between the hook and lure which allows the hook to spin which works good

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Hey Jim, lots of people switch to single hooks for easier release. Owner and VMC both make specific hooks that have the eye inline with the hook point so they hang correctly. Janns Netcraft carries them both. Most people aim the belly hook down, and the tail hook up, to prevent snags.

bluefishjim Loc: rocky Point, NC

Ok thanks looks way enough.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 👍

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

I seen a video on YouTube that it's best to replace with a hook that has the same width as the treble meaning the gap of the single is as wide as the treble (from one hook point to the opposite)the video was put out by Salt Strong called how to choose the perfect size inline hook to replace treble. Hope this helps bluefishjim. 🎣🇺🇸🙂👍

Chuck56 Loc: Texas

First : octopus or circle hook
Second : if the lure is designed to utilize 2 hooks, utilize 2 hooks .

DC Loc: Washington state

maybe it might vary depending on species of fish targeted but for salmon and steelhead I replace 2 hooks with only 1 in the back all the time and it works fine

MuskyHunter Loc: Torrington, CT

OK, I am a fan of replacing trebles on many baits. For spoons, bucktails, and spinnerbaits I use single siwash hooks of various sizes. I also bend down the barbs. I have a great hook up rate and easy releases.

I play a different game with hard baits. These typically have three trebles. For the larger of these baits (more than six inches), I always remove the rear treble as this hook rarely seems to hook the fish and often hooks some fish in the eye (especially muskies and northerns). I then bend down the barbs on the remaining trebles. I have yet to experiment with single hooks but I will this summer and once again will use single siwash with a shank long enough to keep the hook further away from the body of the bait. I would also make sure that it moves freely.

Note that for much smaller hard baits (such as hot'n tots) I usually remove the front treble since on these baits the fish seem to take them from the rear hook. I think these baits would be ideal for a rear siwash and no front hook. I will definitely be trying this next summer.

Let us know what you decide and how it works for you.

Frank

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I bought a scale on the net. I now weigh the split ring and new hook to match the weight of the old treble. I have had no problem with balance.

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

You might look at double hooks, you keep a nice set of hooks for a good grab, but the lack of that pesky third hook makes them infinitely more manageable...Amazon has them

bluefishjim Loc: rocky Point, NC

Yes I’ve been thinking about this also, and I should be able to just remove one of the hooks on a treble, most likely the one welded on. I’m mostly fishing inshore salt water, we have more regs on what we can keep and I hate having to release a fish I know isn’t going to service.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Just make sure the hooks hang evenly off the lure so it doesn't run off to one side.

Captain

Agree with FredFish…. He has hook rigging correct but incorrect about snags. If they would be rigged in reverse of what he says there would be a lot of missed fish. All my saltwater crank baits are rigged with this style single in line hook. Better for both you and the fish!!