One of the things I really love about this sport is that I can make it challenging on myself, or it can be a relaxing, meditating use of the time I have to spend on it.

One of the ways I challenge myself is to always look for ways to up my game and today I was reminded of one of the littlest things I do that can and has paid off in my limited success. I am constantly changing out split rings on my treble hooks for different situations.  A lot of product develeopment and marketing has been put into short shank, EWG hooks, SureSets, etc. in the way of treble hooks.  The results have upped the game for many of us, but what I've been doing is adjusting the size of both the hooks and split rings on my baits for different conditions.

If I'm fishing deadfalls, I want the belly hook of my crank to ride close to it's body.  That same crank over a gravel bottom, the biggest split ring that I can use and even a bigger hook as long as it doesn't tangle with the rear hook.  Even the oval split rings used mailnly for line ties have the benefit of adding a little extra distance from the lures body and bigger split rings also give the advantage of less leverage for the fish when fighting not to mention the number one advantage.........better hook-ups.

Nest time, before you head out on the water, think about where and how you'll be using your gear.  Little tweaks like this can make the difference. Even if it only means one more fish on the line.

Good advice papajoe, I tend to leave a smaller #6 hook on the rear and go up or down on hook size on the belly, but after reading your post, I never even gave the split ring thing a thought. I'll have to try that.

 

Thanks for sharing.