changing out hooks on rattle traps

[kyshorthair]

I use hemostats to change treble hooks out. Give it a try and see if it helps you out.

[chunknwind]

Thanks to those who responded(good tips). Is there a trick to using the split ring tool? I tried some last night and kept bending up the split rings.

[chunknwind]

I guess I will try the hemostats next.

[Col Forbin]

I guess I will try the hemostats next.

I use my fingernail to get it started. When you get the split ring over the old hook eye, slip the new hook in right behind it, when you go around the split ring, your old hook will fall off and the new one will be on.

[smljaw]

Let me tell you about one particular bass I caught on a 3/4 oz Trap...

Lake El Salto, July 2005... My dad and I are spanking some nice fish back in the back of a cove. I'm throwing a 3/4 oz trap and he's throwing a big swimbait. The Trap is outcatching the swimbait 5 to 1 but my old man won't switch up. I stick a 4 pounder. As I'm bringing her toward the boat, she makes a big pull and comes off. I swing my bait in to the boat and see that the fish ripped the front hook off my bait. I take a big, sharp hook off of a crankbait and put it on the front of my Trap and keep fishing.

We drift out of the cove and I'm fan casting like mad. I make a cast into the middle of the cove and slow roll it a little bit deeper. I get hammered and stick a good one. She jumps and shakes her head and I can't believe it. When the guide puts the net on this bass I know it's the biggest fish I've ever caught. My scales read 11.2. After photographs and my heart rate goes back down I successfully make the release.

Here's the kicker... The big hook on the front of the bait was not in her mouth at all. I brought that fish into the net with the small hook on the tail of the bait (it was the original hook. I never changed it out for a better, sharper hook...). What are the odds???

[Medicine Man]

Rattle traps are a great early spring tactic for Muskie fisherman. We always upsize the hooks and split rings. VMC makes a strong hook. Change the split rings because with a stronger hook the rings will become the weak link.

[artcarney_agr]

Gam's EWG trebles on all of my traps. I love them. I put a larger one on the front (red) and a smaller one on the back (not red) - can't remember the sizes but I think one is a 6 and the other a 4 (I just try to match the size that comes on the bait). Anyhow, 9 times out of 10 they'll be hooked on the red one on the front...which makes me a firm believer in the red hooks. As for changing the hooks out, just break over and buy a dang pair of split ring pliers. They're usually less than $5 and well worth it. It'll save you time, and if you're doing a lot of them, your fingers won't hurt afterwards. Plus, it's a tool you use for years and years, because there's always going to be hooks that need changing, especially when you fish with me Ha ha ha!

[18'stratos]

Try to get the original hook started(coming off) put the new hook directly behind it. As the old one comes off the new one goes on. I use Tripple grip and a feathered hook at the back so it gives the bait a tail. Hope this helps. I use my thumb nail to get the split ring open. Never had much luck with the pliers(bending) and hemostats were just awkward.