Treble hooks are essential components of various fishing baits, offering versatility and efficiency in hooking fish. Whether you’re using lipless crankbaits, topwaters, or deep divers, treble hooks are the go-to choice for many anglers. However, knowing when and how to change them is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind changing treble hooks and provide step-by-step instructions for a seamless replacement process.
Why Change Your Treble Hooks?
There are several reasons why changing treble hooks is necessary. Firstly, stock hooks on baits may not always meet the desired standards. Older lures, in particular, might come with light wire or dull treble hooks that are prone to bending or struggling to hook fish effectively. While most modern baits come with decent hooks, it’s still essential to replace them if they become bent, dull, or broken. Even if you manage to bend a hook back into shape, its strength is compromised, increasing the likelihood of breakage during a fish fight. Additionally, swapping treble hooks for larger sizes or different bend styles can improve hooking efficiency, especially with topwater baits. Choosing larger hooks with round bends can enhance your chances of hooking fish that are merely swiping at the bait. Similarly, replacing round bend hooks with extra-wide gap trebles on lipless crankbaits and squarebills ensures better hook sets when bass engulf the entire bait.
How to Change Treble Hooks
To change treble hooks efficiently, it’s best to use split ring pliers. These tools make the process much easier and safer, minimizing the risk of injury. If you don’t have split ring pliers, you can use needle-nose pliers or your fingernail, although this method is less recommended due to the risk of injury. Carefully open the split ring using the pliers, ensuring it’s wide enough to slide the eye of the existing treble hook off and the eye of the new hook on simultaneously. Rotate the split ring through both hook eyes to remove the old hook and attach the new one. Repeat this process for each treble hook on the bait, ensuring the hooks aren’t too large to interfere with each other’s movement.
Changing treble hooks is a simple yet essential task for anglers looking to maintain peak performance and maximize their chances of hooking fish. Whether replacing dull or damaged hooks or upgrading to larger sizes for improved hooking efficiency, knowing how to change treble hooks is a valuable skill. With the right tools and techniques, anglers can effortlessly swap out treble hooks, ensuring their baits remain effective and reliable on the water.
Images/Source: MonsterBass
