Little Rippers = lost fish

[JJ Mac]

I think they are triple grip hooks that come standard one Reef Runners. While I've had no problems with the larger ones, I have lost so many fish on Little Rippers that there has to be a correlation. I've had it happen before in the past. I had one night I went 1 for 9 on a Blue berry muffin. I then switched to a different rear treble and no more lost fish. Guess I didn't learn my own lesson, was out yesterday with a new little ripper right out of the box. After catching one fish, I lost 7 in row after that. I replaced every rear hook on my little rippers last night. Anyone else notice this correlation?

[Johnnie Candle]

I can't say that I have ever had that problem with Litter Rippers specificlly, but from time to time when trolling crankbaits that seems to happen.

I have been experimenting with a newer replacement treble on the rear of my cranks. The Sure Set treble from VMC seems to be the answer for me this year. It is the one with a large Kahle style hook on one of the three threbles. I point this hook up and it seems to be the one that hooks the fish 90% of the time. Right in the roof of the mouth. I have found these to be very effective on baits with small rear trebles like #4 and #5 Shad Raps. The larger hook does not seem to effect the action either.

They may help you as well.

[Burr]

I agree with JC on this one. I've been using the same style hook, but from a different mfg. Most often the fish are hooked on the one, wider gap hook. IMO, it is better to have a single hook set well, than multiple hooks from the treble in the fish. It seems like more than a single hook give the fish something to leverage against, making it more likely to come unbuttoned.

I'm using Rapala hooks, they are working well for me.

Are you using a stiff graphite rod and no-stretch line? If so, the only thing that will give as the fish struggles is the fish's mouth as the hooks tear free.
Try setting your drag lighter if you haven't tried that yet.

What size of treble hooks do you usually replace with on crankbaits?

[Eric Schuelke]

Reef Runner always used Eagle Claw hooks on their cranks, unless they have changed.

I change all my hooks on my cranks to Triple Grips. I have found since doing that, my catch rate has gone up.

When I was on Oahe in July, I got some cranks before I left, didn't have a chance to change the hooks to triple grips. I ended up losing 4 large fish. I get three of those in the boat, I have a top 5 finish. I will always change the hooks from now on.

[Terroreyes]

<I change all my hooks on my cranks to Triple Grips. I have found since doing that, my catch rate has gone up.>

Same here.


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Since we have been with Reef Runner there have been 3 hook changes.
The old VMC reverse barb hook – my personal favorite.
A Eagle claw round bend – Not a good hook at all
Current Hook - Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Extra Wide Gap Kahle 2x Strong Hook.
This Hook is also a very good hook. (This is from a Gamakatus Guy).
If you have the older round bend, replace it they just don’t seem to hook up as well as the current hook. If you have the EWG Kahle hook, I’m not sure what to say, I have not had any issue with the current hook on the Deep Little rippers.

Good Luck
Ed Fiore
Xtreme Tackle

[walteye]

Ed-any reason that was given about changing the RR from the reverse barb hooks to the ones that they use today? I know that we are talking about 2 changes since-but I was always wondering (those reverse barbs were great, INHO).....
Walteye

I give you a clue, VMC is now owned by Rapala.

Ed