jaximus wrote on Nov 5^th, 2010 at 5:38pm:


Hey Jax
I wonder if a guy couldn't make a "stiff rig" by getting away from the split ring and drilling a hole in a spoon and using a small stainless steel bolt/nut set-up to secure a single hook. I have done this on large jigging spoons and it came out quite nicely. I have also used electrical shrink tubing to make stiff rigs as well.

Trebels are crutches.  Real anglers use single barbless.   
having said that, no I haven't swapped out all my trebels

jaximus,

I have used the single hook options they sell with Mepps type spoons and like them fine. I don't know how you can quantify hook-up/loss difference between trebles hooks and single(s) hooks, Seems there are so many variables that it would be as much personal experience/conjecture as anything?

I've also taken a pair of side cutters and "made" treble hooks into side by side single hooks, and didn't see a problem.

At one time Cabelas sold replacement dual weedless hooks for spoons/ plugs. They had a stainless spring that that acted as a weed-guard. The dual hook set-up was similar to my modified treble, but the angle between them was a little smaller. Either way you have the hooks facing upward so the don't snag as much as trebles and release almost as easy as a single hook.

I think keeping the hook sharp means as much as anything, especially when they're being dragged over the rock bottoms in most BW/Q lakes.

P Line flouroclear 8 lb. test has put a lot of big (& many more small) fish in our canoes over the years

P-line of a different sort makes me feel better, but that is just a humble opinion

lets talk about hooks for trolling!

ive tried a couple different single hooks for spoons and the rear hook on my plugs but i just cant find anything i like/works as well as the trebles. ive experimented with different styles and sizes. the best one ive found so far is the gamagatsu octopus hook. it seems to have the best hook up rate of the single hooks ive tried, however, to get the size i want, the hook is pretty large/thick and subdues the action a little bit.

on some salt water baits ive seen they run dual single hooks on the same splitring facing opposite ways. so its kind of like a little trap. id like something that hooks up well during trolling, but also doesnt mangle the fish. the problem i have with trebles is that they tend to grab too much and tear things. plus they are a pain to get out. i think the dual single hooks would do something similar to what a treble does hook up wise, but im afraid it might main the fish even worse.

obviously having sharp hooks is the most important factor, but im getting at details. i would like your $.02.

P-line is indeed good stuff. I'm probably more pleased with this fish than any I've ever caught simply for the reason I was so undergunned. 30 lb p-line
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Hey Tonello
Big fan of P-line here in Florida in the 30lb test. I have never tried the ccx xtra strong. Would I be correct in assuming it's a bit thicker and has a real breaking strength above what is listed? Sounds perfect for steelheading in less than crystal clear water or hooking up in some weeds.

I have found many of the x-tra tough lines have increased visibility (correct me if I'm wrong about the ccx) and therefore I would probably forego it in canoe country for the same reason I don't use PP (although certainly to a much lesser extent). My first priority is stealth. The bigger the fish the more likely (IMO) they are to refuse a less than stealthy presentation. Of course exceptions abound. I have become fond of Gamma the last several years. Seems a good compromise, all things considered.

I had a near disaster type trip once when I had spooled up with P-line castable FC. I couldn't get a knot to stick in any of the lb tests. The line was either very old or it didn't like getting soaked in the all day rain of the previous day. Fortunately my partner had extra spools of green trilene xt (Great stuff.......still use the 4lb) and saved the day. Ended up with a mild confrontation back at Cabelas trying to return the stuff. Finally I got the fishing manager and dared him to tie a knot. Refund promptly granted for 4 spools of the blasted stuff.  P-line is superior, just tad bit thicker than most mono.    

Another vote for Power Pro over Fireline.  Actually I don't use it in the Q though.  I use it for trolling for salmon on Lk MI.  It goes on my diver rods.  I also 8 lb power pro for casting for kings.

In the Q I use mono- 6 lb P Line CCX xtra strong.  That stuff is badass.  I also use it for steelhead fishing here in our Michigan rivers, and it can be hard to break off when you get hung up.

Mark

Jaximus,

I'd say the 15l# PP would be about right, although as you can see the line weight runs up or down depending on who's using it.

I'm a solo paddler, so when I'm traveling and have a line in the water,
which is 90% of the time, weather permitting, I use the 20# PP on a Med-Heavy UglyStik rod.

I used too lose a lot of baits because by the time I could grab rod or stop forward momentum solo, a lighter line would snap under the pressure.

I found with heavier test, I can set the drag right, and unless I'm being pushed by a good tailwind, I don't break off as much.

20# PP is about 6# mono, so the lure gets down well, and I don't think it's costing me missed strikes, although with the quality of fishing, I don't know how you would even know that

If I was in a tandem canoe, I'd probably go lighter as you have someone to control canoe and more time to monitor your rod.

I have 2 spools for my 2 spinning rigs I bring, with a mix of braid and mono ( TECTAN). If you've never used this premium German mono, give it a try if you can find it? Cabelas carries it or used to. Ultra-thin, ultra strong knot strength.

I use the 11# Tectan, which is about regular 4# mono diameter. On a light spinning rod it's great for smallies/Waldo's and will handle the big boys with a little extra backup if needed.