I have several old Spooks that I want to replace the hooks on and add split rings. What hook do y'all use for those? Also, what size split ring should be used? I've hardly ever replaced hooks unless they broke and I always scavenged split rings from baits I don't use. Thanks.

I may well be in the minority on this, but I really like EWG treble hooks. Full disclosure: if I'm throwing a spook, it's 99 times out of 100 gonna be a junior instead of the full size. I just get more action on the smaller size.

 

For hooks, I use a couple depending on what I get ahold of first. The short shank makes it a little easier for me to go up a size without worrying as much about the front hook getting fouled in my line.

 

Gamakatsu EWG Treble Short Shank 2X Magic Eye

Mustad KVD 1x Strong 2x Short Triple Grip Treble Hook

 

Much the same as you, when I change split rings, I just grab something that looks to be about the right size out of the pile I've got from plugs that have been consigned to the scrap heap.

 

I was eyeballing that EWG Gammy in size #1 because that's the size R2Sea uses for their 113 Whopper Plopper. And the hooks that come with the Spook are quite large, maybe larger than necessary.

@galyonj I just had an ah-hah moment. I like to use Tactical Anglers Clips with my hard baits. So I'll take the split rings off the line ties of those to put on the Spooks.

2 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

@galyonj I just had an ah-hah moment. I like to use Tactical Anglers Clips with my hard baits. So I'll take the split rings off the line ties of those to put on the Spooks.

 

Yeah, that'd work.

 

My laziness and the speed with which I go between plugs of all sorts is well-documented here, so I use clips fairly often. I mention that to say this: Tying to a split ring, then clipping that split ring to another spit ring puts a surprising amount of weight out on the nose of a lure.

Hook size would depend on the model of Spook and whether the stock hooks are attached to a hook hanger or has the eye, split ring, hook configuration.  If you're adding split rings and hooks to one with hook hangars, go with short shanks (you can go up in size if you like). For the others, either reuse the split rings on the lure, or go with new ones. I prefer standard wire round bend hooks (https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/mustad-ultrapoint-kvd-elite-round-bend-treble-hook) for the front hook(s) and their heavier https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/mustad-35647-round-bend-extra-strong ones for the rear. I also add a suspend dot or two to the tail section so the tail sits a little low and it also makes it easier to keep the bait in the zone longer when you want.

On 6/25/2021 at 11:13 AM, galyonj said:

 

Yeah, that'd work.

 

My laziness and the speed with which I go between plugs of all sorts is well-documented here, so I use clips fairly often. I mention that to say this: Tying to a split ring, then clipping that split ring to another spit ring puts a surprising amount of weight out on the nose of a lure.

You won't believe this. I ordered and only paid for 1 pack of #2 Gama EWG treble hooks from Amazon. I got 10 packs. They picked up the box that has 90 hooks and packaged in it and shipped the whole box.

Just now, the reel ess said:

You won't believe this. I ordered and only paid for 1 pack of #2 Gama EWG treble hooks from Amazon. I got 10 packs. They picked up the box that has 90 hooks and packaged it.

 

Well, dang. I reckon you've got plenty now.

Just now, galyonj said:

 

Well, dang. I reckon you've got plenty now.

LOL. A lifetime supply. I already texted my buddy to see if he wants some.