Belly Hook Woes

[Finn-icky]

After being a die hard bait fisherman for some many years, I decided to give the anchor up and toss out a quickfish method a try. Out of eigth take downs, only boated three, lost two from belly hooks either breaking or twisting off the snap ring. I have been told to expect to lose a few, but didn't think it would be from hook failure. I did take the original hooks off and replaced with better hooks and it did seem to help. Wondering if this is normal and if it is, is there something that can be done to correct this problem? images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[FEAR NO FISH!]

Use a bead chain with a single siwash hook. That way the hogs can't get any leverage on the hook. Take rear hook off and use bead chain off of the middle. Size 3/0 or 4/0 hook will work just fine.

[finclipped]

I'll second FNF recomendation. Only I use two single hooks, both belly hook and back hook. On the bigger K-15, K-16's a bigger 5/0 or 6/0 has worked better for me. I caught one on Friday this way, and it was hooked very well and I didn't have to net the fish, to release it.

[Jeffhead]

Boy I hear ya on the no hooken' up Kfish. Had 3 monster takedowns on a K-15 with the stock hooks on Saturday just to came up empty. Oh well, I have modified some of the other Kfish I have with a 4/0 single siwash off of the belly eye with a bead chain, guess I'll have to do the rest now.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[parker]

I'd take off the stock snap rings and hooks.

Replace with heavier snap rings and either use the bead swivel with a single siwash on the belly eye, or just stick a good barrel swivel on the both the belly/bottom snap rings and attach the siwash the swivels. Same idea the bed, but draws the hooks in closer to the lure.

I've had good success with both methods.

[dogfishboy]

Can you use the bead-chain and siwash hook set up for mag warts too? On a hookup sunday, back hook was in good but belly hook was gone. I had removed the back treble and put on a larger, stronger treble.

David

[SteelieSteve]

To share some info from a guide friend of mine. Wait until the fish begins pulling line off your reel before setting the hook. Plus do change the factory hooks to a larger needle sharp treble(siwash if you'd rather). Use lots of scent on your kwikfish. Good luck and Tightlines.
SS