Hooks For Plugs ??????

FM2 · 11-13-2001, 10:45 AM

I'm getting ready to replace all the hooks on my plugs to prepare for the winter steelhead season. There seems to be many manufactures of hooks so I thought I would throw this out to determine what the best hook would be. Should I use treble or siwash? Cost is important, but if I have to spend a little more to increase my catch ratio...so beit!!

Thanks :smile:

Moleman · 11-13-2001, 10:59 AM

I have replaced all hooks on my steelhead plugs with either a "Triple Grip" or the new "Owner" treble hooks. The Owner hooks are a little shorter,possibly by adding a second o-ring this would put the hook back. Also, this hook doesn't need to be sharpened. The Triple Grips are a little more apt to bend after a good hookup and battle. The hooks usually are not repairable, but they do hang on. There is nothing wrong with the standard VMC #4 and #2.

NAUTI-NOTIONS · 11-13-2001, 12:30 PM

I used VMC's for the first time last weekend. they had a good sharp point, but dissapointed on how easly they straightened. the way the odds went if they remained on they were hatcherys and if they straightened they's wild... I'm going back to gamma's.

STRIKE ZONE · 11-13-2001, 01:15 PM

Gammi treble's or owner treble's.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

FM2 · 11-13-2001, 03:19 PM

I have used VMC's in the past but as BC eluded they seem a little wimpy and straighten easily.

Moleman, have you used the owners much?, they seem to be gaining much popularity and am curious how they have performed for you.

Thanks Pete, I'm a subscriber and read the article, in fact one of the pieces was written by a friend

Snagly · 11-13-2001, 03:43 PM

Don't use the normal or 2x VMC trebles. Use only the 4x strength and you'll be OK. You can order these economically in boxes of 25 from either Cabela's or Bass Pro.

Fishin Magician · 11-13-2001, 05:23 PM

Gamakatsu siwash, bead chain on the trailer .......cant go wrong.

Catch 22 · 11-13-2001, 08:31 PM

That's how I do mine also, Magician. One Gammy siwash on a beadchain from the belly. Nothing on the back. The TIP of the hook about a quarter inch past the tail.

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: Catch 22 ]</p>

FM2 · 11-13-2001, 08:49 PM

I'm curious about the bead chain, now I primarly use warts and occasionly use a hot shot, but do you think the fish come up from the rear of the plug or from the side. I have not actually seen a fish take a plug so I would think a hook or hooks would need to be in a position to hook the fish given whatever angle they come from. Do you think the fish attack the plug with a wide open mouth, then realize it's something else then slide off and close their mouths? This would say to run hooks a little further back to catch the mouth of the fish as it was closing! I don't know, does anyone else have a theory?

Pete · 11-13-2001, 11:13 PM

There are plenty of theories on re-hooking plugs. The Oct/Nov STS has a great example in a story on rigging Kwikfish and Flatfish. Several guides give up their secrets on how and why they change the hooks on their plugs ... read it next time you're in the fishing aisle at Freds.

Thumper · 11-13-2001, 11:37 PM

All my standard-sized Wiggle Warts and Tadpollys are re-rigged with plain old VMC #2 trebles, and all are hand-sharpened using a wide stone to impart a 60 degree (I think) uniform razor edge. Lo-tech, but deadly.

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: Thumper ]</p>