Making your own assist Hooks

[gman]

There seems to be a lot of threads asking questions about Assist Hooks. If you want to buy some good pre-made ones the ones I have used and would suggest are Shout Power Assist 7/0 & Eastern Tackles Assist Hooks

If not making your own assist hooks are extremely easy to do and fun. First you will need teh following supplies

1. Hooks -preferably wide gap short shank hooks
2. Kevlar Line - in 50 (500#) or 70 (700 #) size
3. Sharp Scissor
4. Super Glue
5. A jig for length ratio

Here are some examples of hooks I use when making my own







Here is the Kevlar in roll form



Rules I live by ...

a. always make teh length of a single assist hook 1/3 to 1/2 jig length
b. Always use 1 hook unless jig is greater than 13" then I use a high and low set up
c. Always use a hook wider than the jig being used

Instructions




Hope this helps

[Tenacious]

Nice work Glen, thanks for sharing

[gman]

I forgot to add that I will generally always use 50 size Kevlar and I will always put a dab of super glue on the overhand knot once tightened. I dont trim the excess to close to the knot either i just let it hang if its not too long

[Tunaman40]

gman,

I make my own assist hooks as well using the same method and kevlar as you do, I like to use a piece of shrink tubing (red) to cover my knot and hook eye,. What are your thoughts on this? I have made some without the tubing and have not noticed any difference in hookup ratios.

[gman]

Some will disagree, but personally I do not use shrink tube. I like the hook to be able to swing totally free with nothing keeping it rigid.

It does add some protection but if anything can eat through 500 pound kevlar it deserves to be free LOL but i can see the value in adding it if you like

[Tunaman40]

Agreed, if it can get through the kevlar I probably don't want to catch it anyway . Thanks for the info.

[Ponce]

Where are good suppliers for the kevlar and hooks? Thanks for sharing Gman.

I use Eastern Tackle assist hooks and really like them. But, I also really like tying rigs and set-ups, gives me something to do when I'm not fishing.

[gman]

sold out right now but they should have it soon

http://www.anglers-proshop.com/produ...?product_id=80

[Tunaman40]

Ponce,

For what its worth I get my kevlar from Anglers Pro Shop and my hooks from Terminal Tackle Co. Both shops are based out of New York. Hope this helps.

[Sea Draggin]

Where are good suppliers for the kevlar and hooks? Thanks for sharing Gman.

I use Eastern Tackle assist hooks and really like them. But, I also really like tying rigs and set-ups, gives me something to do when I'm not fishing.

Last night I was experimenting with some glue on my hooks as well. You can put a drop at the bottom of the shrink tube on the hook and it will wick down into the serving making them much stronger.

I would highly recommend this.