Ballyhoo pin rigs

[getreel]

I have always used Mustad 34007 8/0 hooks on my ballyhoo trolling rigs and have never had a problem, until last trip. Two hooks opened up on decent fish. The 34007 is fine for mahi and most YFT, but I don’t think it is strong enough to stand up to some of the other potential species encountered in the NE canyons.

I like the O'Shaughnessy style longer shank hooks so the hook is set farther back in the bally. I find more hook ups with less short strikes this way. I need to re-rig all my ballyhoo leaders and am looking for hook suggestions. What is everyone’s favorite?

Thanks,
Will

[byron]

For meat fish we pull mustad 7691DT 8/0 with med ballyhoo.
It is southern tuna hook and I've never had on fail. I've caught up to 525 BFT using a 7691.We usually have a good hook up raito also.

They cost around $2 a peice but are worth it.

Byron

[BTH284]

7691DT 8/0 or 9/0, 7692DT 8/0 or 9/0. For an open throat hook I like the 7731D in 8/0 or 9/0. For wire 8/0 or 9/0 7731AD (needle eye). The 7691 has a beefier shank than the 92. All of the above have a forged shut eye as well.

[clt_capt]

I use a lot of 7691 DTs - mostly 8/0

I used to use 7691S, but have had a few open up on me, So I'm moving away from them.

[Big Jay]

Mustad 7961DT period.

Never liked those "Ballyhoo hooks" from the day they came out

[Sea Witch]

7692 8/0

[Fishfinder]

If you want a welded eye southern tuna bend hook the 7692-8/0 is a very good choice. The 7766-8/0 is the same hook just without a welded eye only a standard ring eye. Many of the charter fleet use them due to the cost. If you want the same style long shank hook that you were using 34007, just go with the non stainless 3407SS. This is a long shank J hook instead of a southern tuna bend but it is a double strength hook with a longer shank.

Capt. Joe

[Capt Lindsay]

We have never had the eye on a 7766-D 9/0 open. The whole charter fleet uses that hook at Oregon Inlet. The price is right and they work fine.

[Andaman Andy]

We have never had the eye on a 7766-D 9/0 open. The whole charter fleet uses that hook at Oregon Inlet. The price is right and they work fine.

Roger that.

[Bert Rodgers]

If you laid the 2 styles side by side you will notice the difference in length is about 1/2". Do you really think that 1/2 further back has a better chance of hook up?

Bert