Crankbait Article

Just read an article as I'm waiting for my daughter to wake up and open her gifts. This article was based on info from David Fritts and what struck me aside from the great info on Rods, Reels and specific insights into cranking was that he mentioned using smaller hooks on the baits instead of the approach of going up one size. I usually upsized myself, don't know why maybe the thought of bigger is better?He mentioned up to an 80% better catch ratio? Anyone else try this before? I never have but will now.:)

Never thought of tit myself either. Think it could have something to do with allowing the fish to close their mouth around the bait better before hookset?

I normally use the same size hooks, but always use 2 split rings to attach it to the bait..It makes it a lot harder for the fish to throw the bait..This really makes a difference especially on baits like rattle traps..Try holding a rattletrap by the back hook and spinning it around then add another split ring and see what happens.. Good Luck...Chris

I use to fish rivers for smallmouth with the smallest Rebel craw. They loved that bait, but it had these small treble hooks that were like needles and it seemed like at least 2 barbs were always buried in their lip or jaw. I always had to use forceps to get that hook out. Very seldom had one get off once it was on. May be some similarities there. The smaller hooks get 2 barbs set where the larger one only get one?

By golly this might help with a problem I have. I often get the front and back hooks tangled. As a friend of mine says "that crank bait crossed her legs." Smaller trebles may solve that problem.

Even better would be the improved action similar to reducing line weight. Fritts is THE MAN. Although I don't really like his rods a little heavy...the loomis 7'6" ones are really sweet, but u might be able to find a similar option at the price. My 2¢.

Great info and post. Love the idea of the double split ring.

[quote=abssprint;311302]I normally use the same size hooks, but always use 2 split rings to attach it to the bait..It makes it a lot harder for the fish to throw the bait..This really makes a difference especially on baits like rattle traps..Try holding a rattletrap by the back hook and spinning it around then add another split ring and see what happens.. Good Luck...Chris[/quote]
I'm curious what happens? I don't have spare split rings at the moment does it rotate easier instead of binding?

Seems like the hooks would be more apt to tagle up in those extra rings durring the cast. It happens often enough without them.

I think Abssprint means both split rings through the eye of the hook, not chained together. That would keep the hooks from swinging around as much to get fouled with each other or rotating as much after fish on for them to throw it. Interesting.. may have to try that if I have problems with a bait in the future.

[QUOTE=wkerber;311324]I think Abssprint means both split rings through the eye of the hook, not chained together. That would keep the hooks from swinging around as much to get fouled with each other or rotating as much after fish on for them to throw it. Interesting.. may have to try that if I have problems with a bait in the future.[/QUOTE]


Well that makes more sence now :)

I actually ment chaining the 2 split rings together on the back hook..It gives the hook alot more freedom to move when fighting a fish..I've done this for several years and it seems to help..It might not do anything, but you have to go with what you have confidence in, right..:D ..I guess I'm the odd ball here, but as much as I have fished I only remember getting the 2 hooks tangled up a couple of time....You guys having this problem on one certain bait???

Love the 2 slip ring tip. I'll try that for sure... As for crankbait hooks, I do my best to swap them out or sharpen them up REAL GOOD. Keeping those hooks super sharp is most important IMO.

Have not fished since late November! It's killing me!!! I hope to go New Years Day...