Question about Hooks on Jigs.

[dpricenator]

What are the benefits and detractors from using a treble hook on a smaller sized surface jig? Specifically the Shimano ColtSniper surface casting jigs.

The reason I ask is that I just bought a 6 pack of knockoffs from Amazon, that look GREAT. They are the small 40 gram size, and have a pretty big treble hook in the rear. I think I would pick up less weeds if there was a single hook back there, opposed to a treble hook. Of even a small double assist hook set up. Why do these style jigs come with a big treble hook and the flatfalls and butterfly jogs come with the single or double assist hooks?

I want to fish the kelp beds, the surf, and from the jetty with these, and treble just pick up weeds.

Anyway I made some assist hooks, and they will hold a 45lb weight, so I guess my knots are good.

I also took a single center aligned hook and swapped out the treble for that on a few of the jigs. It looks good, but I'm not sure if the hook should point down or up. Any thoughts on that would be helpful too.

[Denis_Ruso]

Uhmm less hooks to hook the fish? If the fish hits it from the side its less likely to get caught by a single hook.

There is a number of factors at play here.

Each jig is different. My main concern would be the action of the jig. The only way to test this would be in a swimming pool. Cast the jig and see if the action changes. If theres no change to action I would got ahead and keep the single.

Pros of Single Hook: Less bottom snags, Less spit hooks (debatable)
Cons: More missed bites, can change action of the jig

Pros of treble: Keeps traditional designed action, more snagged/ hooked fish
Cons: More bottom snags, more spit hooks (debatable)

I personally like to swap out my trebles for singles when I am tuna fishing. I feel that the bigger single stays in the fishes mouth better than the trable. Keep in mind that a coltsniper is really designed to be a vertical jig that gets bit on the drop. Really mostly meant to be jigged up and down.

[dpricenator]

Right on. I knew the obvious answer was more hooks, but I noticed the guys on the tuna trip I just took, all had only 1 hook on their Tady's and such. I totally realize this is supposed to be a vertical jig, but I can cast it a mile. So from the shore it is a breeze to send it well past the waves and cover more ground on the return. I already have a small bass on it, from the shore. I was thinking it could be cast way down the line on a kelp bed. then let it sink for a couple seconds, and quick retrieve it back in.

I could be wrong, because that happens a lot when it comes to me and fish.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

[Denis_Ruso]

Originally Posted by dpricenator

Right on. I knew the obvious answer was more hooks, but I noticed the guys on the tuna trip I just took, all had only 1 hook on their Tady's and such. I totally realize this is supposed to be a vertical jig, but I can cast it a mile. So from the shore it is a breeze to send it well past the waves and cover more ground on the return. I already have a small bass on it, from the shore. I was thinking it could be cast way down the line on a kelp bed. then let it sink for a couple seconds, and quick retrieve it back in.

I could be wrong, because that happens a lot when it comes to me and fish.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

No problem, personally I'm no surf fishing guru but I prefer a jig that sinks slower.

[ProfessorLongArms]

Growing up bass fishing, I learned to hate treble hooks in general.
I probably have a bit of an irrational hate for them just from snags and double hookings over the years. I almost avoid rapalas to spite them.

That said, I have been tempted to try the trap rig for lingcod

[Mahigeer]

I have changed a lot of my treble hooks with single hook.

Easier on fish especially if you plan on C&R.

Gamakatsu makes specially made replacement hooks for saltwater in different sizes.

That is what I use.