Capt Hook.......when my daughter was growing up we would watch Hook quite a few times a year and the mention of that name would bring shivers of fear and delight across her. And why not, pointy, large, and sharp it was a sinister instrument of pain.

Fast forward to this past summer in woodland Caribou. The target was musky and hopefully a few trophy pike. I am a believer in the big bait=big fish theory having seen it play out multiple times. As a consequence I brought quite a selection of big baits. Most were in the 10 inch range and often sported 3 gangs of 8/0 treble hooks. I was not ignorant of the potential of wearing a big hook with a thrashing fish on the other end and the catastrophic consequences which might ensue so I took prudent precautions. A boga grip to handle fish at boat side, 10" shimano needle nose pliers (excellent product BTW), a Lindy glove which is darn near impenetrable and even a superior pair of side cutters for worst case scenario.

The bigger fish I had no problems with since I would paddle them to shore and get out but twice with 26" pike I came a hairs breadth of wearing a big hook in spite of all my care and precautions. Both instances blood was drawn and how I didn't end up impaled is a bit of a wonder considering how sharp those hooks are.

What to do? How nice to catch catch fish on jigs where you can just reach out and grab them with no worries. I love running the big stuff so my solution is gong to be removing 2 gangs of trebles and run a big single saltwater hook off the rear and perhaps leaving the middle treble, I haven't decided yet. I have to do something different thats for sure........Anyways, since I advocate running big lures I wouldn't want someone to take my advice and have a disastrous result.

Hook!.....brings back some good memories,

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