Hooks Matter

Hundreds of days on the water chartering each year has hammered home a crucial truth: hooks are the silent workhorses of angling. They're the sole connection between you and your catch, yet most anglers overlook their importance. The reality is, many lure manufacturers prioritize cost over quality when it comes to hooks, leaving you with gear that falls short.

The Hook Revelation: Factory Fumbles and My Solution

I've witnessed firsthand how many lures I used to rely on, are fitted with inadequate hooks—often too small and poorly constructed. That's why my summertime go-to crankbaits on Saginaw Bay, the Berkley Flickers immediately get upgraded hooks. This isn't about pointing fingers at specific brands; it's about addressing a widespread industry deficiency. Before any lure hits the water, I meticulously replace the factory hooks with my top choice: Mustad Triple Grips. These hooks are stronger, sharper, and designed to hold onto fish with unwavering tenacity. VMC barbarians are also another great choice for an upgrade.

Sizing Precision: Finding the Optimal Hook

While upgrading hook size is essential, I've learned that bigger isn't always better. My general guideline is to increase hook size by one. So, if a Berkley Flicker Minnow comes with a size 6 hook, a size 4 Mustad Triple Grip is typically the perfect fit. Occasionally, lures with aggressive actions can handle even larger hooks, but it's crucial to avoid negatively impacting the lure's action. If you’re uncertain, stick to the one-size-up rule.

The Three-Hook Fallacy: Streamlining for Success

One of the most persistent misconceptions in fishing is that more hooks equal more catches. I've spent years observing and experimenting, and I can confidently say that this idea is simply wrong, especially when it comes to crankbaits. The standard practice of equipping these lures with three treble hooks often leads to more problems than it solves. First, those extra hooks provide the fish with excessive leverage, making it far easier for them to twist and tear free. Second, anyone who's spent time untangling a crankbait from a net knows the frustration of those extra hooks—they're a guaranteed tangle. Third, and perhaps most importantly, they significantly increase the risk of accidental hook injuries to yourself or your fellow anglers.

That's why I've implemented a simple, yet highly effective, change: I remove all but the rear hook from my crankbaits. Through extensive testing, I've found that most crankbaits perform optimally with just this single rear hook. It dramatically reduces the number of lost fish, simplifies net handling, and, crucially, gets your lure back in the water faster. Every minute spent untangling hooks or dealing with injuries is a minute you're not fishing. Remember, you can't catch fish if your line isn't in the water, and streamlining your setup is a key to maximizing your time and success on the water

Investing in Performance: My Fishing Ethos

I firmly believe that quality comes at a price. While premium lures and hooks like Mustad Triple Grips may cost more, they deliver superior performance and durability. At Reel Fish'n, I prioritize performance over price. I'd rather invest a little more in gear that consistently puts fish in the boat. To me, that's money well spent, and a solid investment in my fishing success.