Everything There is To Know About Treble Hooks!

Can you really film a whole video about treble hooks? On the surface it seems like such a mundane topic. Not only can it be done, it can be the longest video we've ever put out! So what's the deal? Why do we care so much about 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.

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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.

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)

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!

Extra Deep Diving Crankbait Tips

When it comes to deep cranking, reaching new depths is often the key to success. In the recent past anglers would go with ultra light lines, huge lengths of line, even added weight to try and reach increased depths.

Today its as simple as opening the package and throwing one of a variety of extra-deep diving crankbaits. This new genre of baits reaches deeper, holds depth better, and calls fish from farther. If you're still resistant to the new trend in "big" cranks, you need to take a look. I'm not saying they're the solution to every problem but they are a whole new genre of bait and every well rounded angler should at least understand their benefits and how they might fit in to his or her arsenal.

If the bass in your lakes are keyed on small baitfish these may not be the right choice for you. If they're keyed on large bait or if they are at depths in excess of 25 feet, these baits definitely have a place in your arsenal.

Many companies are vying for a spot in this genre but only 3 (that I'm aware of at the time of this writing) have successfully entered the category. Those 3 in no particular order are the Lucky Craft Magnum, the Strike King 10 XD, and the 6th Sense 500DD.

From Front to Back: Lucky Craft Magnum, Strike King 10 XD, 6th Sense 500DD, Norman DD22

Fishing these "magnum" size baits is really no different than fishing any other deep diving crank. It may be a little tougher to turn the handle on the reel but the mechanics are all the same. One added benefit is the baits are fairly snag resistant. Because of their overall mass they tend to float out of snags extremely well if the bill itself is what is stuck.

One tip to consider is adding a 2nd split right to the rear treble. By doing this you eliminate torque, making it much harder for the bass to throw the bait. With smaller cranks this isn't critical but with these big, heavy baits, it is very important to keep the odds in you favor.

Pick up one of these new cranks and give it a try. You just might be surprised what is lurking a few feet lower on your favorite ledge!

How to Safely Store Swimbaits

Its no secret that swimbaits carry outrageous price tags. Its easy to spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars without even filling a tackle box. At those prices you can't afford to let your baits fall apart. Despite the ridiculous way Matt stores his (see "The Truth about Bait Storage") its important to take care of these valuable baits. Leaving them piled up for even a short time can cause the baits to kink and warp, rendering them useless.

Last week we received some questions about the baits hanging on the wall in the background of the video. Tim has developed a great method for storing baits long term that keeps them safe and organized. In this week's video he breaks down how to store glidebaits and other hard swimbaits, as well as softbaits like the Huddleston (Wedge Tail) and Osprey (Boot Tail).

Baitsmith, Osprey, and Huddleston Swimbaits stored vertically to keep the tails from bending

What you need to complete the project:

-Pegboard

-Tool Organizers

-6" Pegboard Pegs

-2/0 Snap Swivels

Follow Tim's step by step instructions to clean up your baits, organize your tackle, and avoid all of the damage that comes from leaving your baits laying unorganized in boxes for extended periods of time. This simple project will only take a few hours to complete but can save hundreds of dollars in unnecessary damage to your favorite baits.