Better Hookups with Kwikfish/Flatfish

[Deleted User]

I got a Q about how to get a better % of Kwikfish takes, particular by chinooks, to hook up better so as not to lose so many. That is a common problem. Many fishers use one size larger trebles, super sharp, and then let the fish take it a little longer before setting the hook. I have an idea I've come up with that I would like fishers to try, especially this fall, and post the results they get (I rigged up a couple the following way and gave them to Jen & Bill to try). My idea came from rigging Mag Warts and the knowledge that the long action sway of Kwikfish often leads to fish missing a mouthful of hooks. I take off both stock trebles and connect 1 large treble to a 1 1/2" beadchain and then onto the belly eyescrew. Either leave the back eyescrew in or caulk the hole so no water can get in. To aleiviate the prob of having the heavy treble sink out of the strike zone in slower water I drilled out a Cheater and pushed it down onto the treble shank to give it more neutral bouancy. I also think proper colored Cheaters could be an extra attractant. The only prob is some of them break when pushing it over the hookeye, so I'm thinking of alternatives for bouancy. I have had more solid hookups with the extended treble stabilized in the strike zone on my Warts, so this could be the answer for big Kwikfish for 'nooks. Also may work with a large siwash hook where needed, and maybe on smaller ones for steelhead too. Let's find out. - Steve Edit: I like a couple of ideas I've gotten for hook bouancy. The backer rod ideas below. I would use a colored one and if I scented it wouild change it periodically due to possible accumulated rancid smell. Or better, rely on the sardine wrap. Also a guy had the idea of trying to wad on Berkly's Floating Power Bait in pink or chartruse. Worth a try if it stays on and floats the hook enough. Thanks much guys. Any other ideas welcome! http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by RT (edited 07-04-2000).]

[steelie67]

Hey RT , great idea . I wonder if that white backing they use for rags would work . Might be a little tough to get over the eye of the hook , but once you got it on there its there to stay .. just an idea.

[steelie67]

Hey the backer can hold scent too...

[steelyhornhntr]

R.T., I have used the 1 1/2"bead chain with the large treble and I left the tail hook on also. I still missed more fish than I like to so I didn't stick with it. However, I haven't tried your idea with the cheater.I like your idea and I guarentee you that I will have several rigs set up that way this next month. I will definately keep you posted and anything I may find out. Anything is worth trying, because what I've been doing isn't good enough!!

[smilesforu]

Great idea guys. Those heavy hooks love to hang low. If you take a hot nail and poke the middle of the backer rod it will melt a hole for your hooks. Just slip over the top of the eye hook.

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Marty
Steelheader.net (http://www.steelheader.net/)

[Gizmo Man]

Here's one I've been experimenting with that I saw at the mouth of the Cowlitz for sh and salmon an small x5 x6 and f7 flat fish.

I think it should work on the larger kf or ff
You remove both treble hooks. Use what amounts to a double sandshrimp rig with or with a corkey in between the hooks. you can use whatever amount of leader from the ff/kf to the hook. Use a snap swivel at end of leader and attach to center eye hook. Overall hook length is about 3 to 5 inches below the belly of the plug. Size of hooks depends on size of the plug you use. I am trying size 4 hooks on the x5 and some 3/0 on the m2 k14 size and some 5/0 on the largest ones.

Anyone look at the Charlie White underwater videos. It would pay to watch how fish seem to go after the tail or the hook at the end of your lure. Ever notice how the smolt seem to hook up on plugs much larger then them.

I like to look at the videos every 6 month or so and learn something new. I also built an underwater video and have some observations that you wouldn't believe.

Walt

[Deleted User]

Hey Giz, if you're able to go up to the Cowlitz with Bob and I can you bring the cam? That would be great! - RT