Trolling with a lure question about treble hooks

[progresst]

I am starting to mess around with trolling standard youzuri type lures that feature at least 2 or 3 treble hooks depending on the size of the lure. Somebody told me the other day that you only need to keep the treble hook at the end of the lure as the treble hook in the middle and if the lure is big enough at the front is overkill and will more likely get in the way when taking a fish off.

This seems kind of off to me? Why would Yozuri goto the trouble and cost to add these other treble hooks unless they served a purpose?

Any opinions or experience on this?

[JaggedTooth]

I wouldn't take off the other set. I've used plenty of Crankbaits and rigs where the "main" hook that is supposed to hook them is flopping alongside the fish not being used.

Fish hit lures from all angles not just from the back, and if you get a head on attack you have almost no chance of hooking it at this point.

That's my opinion as I've seen small single J-stinger hooks catch fish time after time while the treble hook is just loose alongside the fish.

What kind of Yo-Zuri lures are you talking about though?

[gottaflylee]

progresst, as stated, I would leave then on. When you take off hokes, you are changing the way the lour is balanced. Should you take hooks off, you will need to replace that weight to keep lure running as intended. If your planning on keeping your catch, leave the hooks as they are. If your going to practice catch and release, then bend your barbs or remove the hooks and use something to replace the hook weight.

[progresst]

Thanks guys, I figured as much. I am using standard Yozuri's you pick up in like Walmart, nothing special...they average 3' to 6' in size and dive 4' to 8' depths.

I was told I should change out the treble hooks for J-Hooks but now that you mention it that would probably affect the intended weight/balance of the lure as well, wouldn't it?

[Ten Beers]

I take the treble hooks off of most lures I use, especially trolling lures. You will get better action, less weeds and if you release any of the fish you catch, they will thank you for not tearing their face off. I replace the treble hooks with short shank j-hooks or Jobu hooks for larger lures,sized appropriately.

[JaggedTooth]

Yo-Zuri has come out with a circle hook series of baits for their sashimi jerkbait, pencil and minnow: http://www.jaggedtoothtackle.com/Pro...ory.aspx?id=39
but really all you need is to change the hooks out.

A lot of bass fishermen change out the standard trebles for the new Mustad KVD Elites as they have a shorter shank so they can go oversized without tangling up. The only problem I see with a J-hook could be the direction it faces while in the retrieve motion.


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