Crawler Harness hook suggestions

[knappy]

Fishing Erie with crawler harnesses I made up using Gamakatsu hooks and notice a larger number of lost fish. Now I realize that there are a number of reasons for losing fish - but it had me thinking about the hooks. I thought I would ask the WC crew what hook they suggest for crawler harnesses ? The hooks I used this past weekend were the Gamakatsu Green Octopus in size 1/0 and in size 2. I had used long shank Aberdeens and found those to break - I have had good luck with a previous set of harnesses made with the Gamakatsu Red Octopus hook. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - thanks

[David Anderson]

I have switched all my crawler harness hooks to the Red TruTurn baitholders, usually #4's and 6's. I believe that they have increased my hooking success on walleyes considerably, especially the ones that just come up and hit it. I also like the long shank for threading the crawlers as they seem to hold better.

[Rapaleye]

What knot did you use on the hooks. If you used anything but a snell knot then that may be why you are loosing them. If you look at how the hook loop is tiped away from the hook point, when you tie a normal knot on the loop it will pull in such a way that it tips as you set the hook. If you use a snell knot the line threads back through the hook loop and then when you pull to set a hook you are pulling straight in line with the shaft and the hook point pulls up with a better chance to set.
Jim

[Terroreyes]

Every time I stray from the standard ole cheap size 6 snell Eagle Claws, I start losing fish. 90%+ with the Eagles. Probably 50-60% success rate with expensive specialty hooks or anything bigger than the size 6. I'm hooked :)

I used some blood red VMC hooks last year and probably lost 8 out of 10 fish before I pitched them.
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[perchjerker]

I agree with Dave. I have been using Tru Turns for years (when I can find them) for all the reasons he stated. The long shank also makes it easy to remove from the fish.

[Marble Eyes]

I tie my Big water harnesses with (3) #2 Diiachi Bleeding bait hooks. IMHO you can't beat them.

[www]

A number 10 treble on the front and an 8 treble on the back. by far the best set-up (IMHO).

[Gilligan]

For Erie I prefer a #2-4 trebble in the back with either the Gamagatsu or Eagle claw ultra point #2 in the front.

[RANGER]

knappy,

You might want to take a look at Mustad baitholder hooks. I use them more often then my Gamakastu or Tru-Turn hooks on the harnesses. They ain't pretty but they are super sharp and as strong as any fish I have ever hooked! Besides, they are reasonably priced and they WORK!

[Bradnd]

I use the #4 diiachi on all my snells. The hooks bend rather than break off in tough snags & stay sharp real well. Buy in bulk from Hagens & save.

Brad

[Stormsearch]

I have been using the Gamakatsu Red Octupus for the last 5 years now. Started at size 4, now use size 2 since the walleyes are a tad larger.

The previous two years, I spent trying different style hooks. I never liked those colored hooks (orange/pink/green). They seemed to catch more trash fish than anything. So you might be getting picked to death from small fish other than walleye. What really worked well was circle hooks, lost fewer fish, but was a pain in the rear baiting a crawler on the bent tip.

If you really want fish holding power, go with www and Gilligan and use trebles (but quality ones). I haven't had the need to use them yet mainly because they are a pain to store. But your hookup will improve even over the best of single pointed hooks.

[Miss Adventure Guest]

I agree with Terror. All of mine are made with #6 Eagle Claw bait holders snelled on 14# fireline 48" leads.

Miss Adventure II

[knappy]

Thanks to all that made suggestions - going re-tie up a few different styles and try em out tomorrow. Will be going out of Sterling State park - (and will be on 68 if any of you folks are out there).

[mowallytrkr]

red octpus hooks have brought a lot of fish to the boat. I only fish them so i cant discount them. If I am in stiff current or on a flat., the bait hook to have is the Gamatsu hooks they are sharper ad better. MO

[knappy]

Thanks for all of the suggestions - tied a a number up with mustad bait holder up front followed by a treble. Also found ultra points from last year. Both worked well. Saturday - 1 missed fish (though I had my limit by 8 am) - the one missed decided to do it's imitation of a bass with a water exiting jump. Noticed that the majority of fish hit the leading hook. Sunday - had similar success (though it was a much slower day). I had a chance to hit Gander Mtn Sunday and picked up a few TruTurns - so we will see how they work - as stated above - the long shank on the truturns would be of benefit with hook removal. Wanted to try them this past weekend but was at Gander Mtn last Thursday night at 9:10pm (they close at 9 - arg!).

Once again thanks for all of the suggestions.

[CarpetBagger]

I use 2/0 Gamakatsu octopus hooks on my ERIE harnesses. Ive found much better hooksets off of my dipsy setups and the hooks are super sharp! Id like to try a few sets of the tru-turns because i use them on perch setups and they are really really sharp.
CB
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[Az_Husker]

Az_Husker

I also use the tru-turn hooks. If anyone can not find them in their area you can order directly from tru-turn, just pull up the web site. Hope this helps.