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Great stuff for my toolbox. Thanks Tag. Even after a lifetime of fishing knowledge gathering, there is always more to be had.
Thanks for the great dialog and discussion, guys.
my question is Tag why go with the braid and the fluorocarbon leader? When I throw a triple trout prefer 16 to 20 lb mono depending on size of bait. This is one of the rare times I don't use braid or fluoro. I like the stretch in the line for the simple fact it's harder for the fish to throw the troubles and Don't seem to have a tangle issue when I make it turn. Not much experience with two piece glide baits so just curious
Hi Russ,
Keep in mind that the action on two piece glide baits is completely different than multi-jointed baits like the Kong or Triple Trout. But yes, both certainly have the potential to tangle while making them turn around. Just apples to oranges on the action and retrieve logistics.
Regarding stock hooks and hardware, I suggest always changing out the split rings and stock hooks on your swimbaits, unless of course they come with premium components (very rare). This goes for brand new baits as well. I recommend Owner Hyperwire split rings and premium hooks, at least 2X strong. On bigger swimbaits, I personally use Owner ST-56 3X trebles and Decoy Quads. Gamakatsu, VMC, Owner and Decoy all make good hooks, and some models up to 4X. For smaller swimbaits and lighter tackle, a 1X hook like an Owner ST-36 or Gamakatsu 2X round bend is just fine.
I like the Decoy Quad hooks for smallmouth for two reasons: The additional weight helps sink the bait out a little more and I feel the additional hook point gives a better hooking opportunity since smallmouth have a tendency to slash at baits, in addition to their smaller mouths posing an issue. For largemouth, I am not married to the Quad hook and would have just as much confidence with a 3X or 4X treble.
The strong, sticky sharp Quad hook still does not ensure you're going to land every smallmouth you hook or that bites. Unfortunately, I lost the biggest smallmouth I've ever seen right at the boat last weekend. I got it in fairly quickly with the heavy tackle and it was still pretty hot, making one last tail walking head shake, throwing my bait while barely out of reach of the net. Looked to be hooked outside the mouth before coming unbuttoned. That's the risk as it's going to happen occasionally with smallmouth (and largemouth) hooked on big baits.
Thanks again for the inquiry!
Good. Then I'm mostly doing it right. I throw my Sinking Kong bait alot, but tend to catch most all my fish just below the surface. As you know, that bait will tangle big if you pop it.. Another question...why the Quad hook? Extra weight? I broke a stock hook on pig last month, do you have a suggestion for my little Kong? I'm currently trying some VMC hooks that Butch Brown uses, but they seem...sorta wimpy for a main hook. Thx. RK
Tag, does this bait turn around when you pop it? Or follow the line? Or drift where ever it wants? Thx. RK
Posted by Tom Melowitz on September 7, 2019 at 2:45pm
Posted by Eric Urstad on April 3, 2019 at 7:38pm
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