HOOKS!

[Eyez]

In your experiments with hooks, what do you prefer, larger hooks, or smaller hooks, for say, a lindy/minnow combo?

This is a general question, of course. Some guys prefer to use nothing but #6 hooks for normal minnows and #8 for leeches, while others will use as large as a #2 aberdeen for leeches or minnows. I've even been told by some rather knowledgable people that they use #10's for leeches. Just interested in your thoughts.

I've always been kind of middle of the road, I use #4's for most everything livebait, except #6's for very slow presentations of leeches or minnows.

Curious to see what some other people think of this.


Thanks,
Eyez

[Todd_NE]

Eyez,

This is definitely an overlooked subject. In my opinion, small hooks = livelier bait but possibly a harder hookset if the bait is filling the hook gap. There is a happy medium and it sounds like you are comfortably in it.

With minnows, I've really went to using tru turn aberdeen hooks in 4-8 depending on the minnow and where I hook the minnow. I use a #2 a lot of the time with the minnow hooked thru both eyes believe it or not. This causes the minnow to fight to stay upright and gives a little more struggle vibration, I never seem to have a problem on hooking either. I also like to use a float in the middle of my leader to give the fish a little "give". (Mike McClelland's idea) If I'm pretty much stationary, I might use a #8 hooked lightly above the tail for something different. In bobber fishing, definitely use an aberdeen in my opinion.

With leeches, I'll go down to a 10 or 12 even though 6 is my most common hook, I like the little Berkley gold point hooks, Mustad thin wires, or any of the colored Gamakatsu's, etc. I generally use "salmon" type hooks for leeches.

My biggest tip is don't overlook aberdeen's on minnows or crawlers. They are also great on bottom bouncers or anytime you can get away with heavier line in a snag-filled area - the hooks just bends free and saves you a re-tie.

Of course, there is nothing to snag in NE SD.... lol. Have fun buddy.

Todd

[Eyez]

Snags here? nah. I only have a special batch of cheap hooks and weights just for trips to waubay. I swear I've lost enough lead and steel in that lake to re-enact the civil war.

Eyez