Are trailer hooks really needed on spinner baits or is it just another thing to have?  For those of you that use them, have you noticed your hook-up % go up?  

Also, I don't see how you can get a good hook set if a fish takes the trailer hook.  I mean, it is free floating up and down the main hook.

Thanks.

I think it is better to have a trailer hook then not to have one!

If fishing around cover a trailer hook can sometimes be a pain.

When fishing open water or sparse cover I do use one and have had many occasions where the trailer hook saved my butt.

The trailer hook will be effective when fish are short striking the bait.

Are they REALLY needed, well no, but it is effective in helping you boat more fish when conditions call for it.

On spinnerbaits they are a must when tournament fishing.

Otherwise, when you fish for fun, they are optional.

I've landed far too many fish on that trailer hook to fish without one.  Every time you see KVD giving instructions on spinnerbaiting, one thing he always mentions is to definitely use the trailer hook.  Who am I to argue with the #1 ranked angler?

I swear by them!!  

I wasn't a believer until last year. I finally tried them, and on one trip every fish I caught was on the trailer.

I'm now a believer.

Falcon

I never use one unless I get short struck.  I also pitch them a lot under docks and into/around brush so a trailer can be detrimental at times.  I don't "burn" spinnerbaits either so I don't get short struck very often and rarely need a trailer hook.

Spinnerbaits are slowly becoming my favorite bait...and if I am fishing open water, a trailer hook is always on.  I have had an increased hook up ratio with adding the hook. Now, if I am fishing my pricey Terminators around cover....I leave it off...

I fish mostly open water.

I always use a trailer on spinners and buzz baits.

My biggest fish last year came on a buzzer hooked on the trailer only. That fish cemented it for me.

Definately use them, I felt too many strikes from fish I didn't hook to be without them now...the fish that short-strikes could be that elusive personal best. I do whatever I can to increase my hookup percentage.

Trailer hook is a must.  On buzzbaits it's a double must.

B

i think its a must unless the bass are crushing your lure....even then,it cant be a bad thing to have an extra hook to better your chances

The times I throw a spinnerbait without a trailer hook.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................get the picture.

Garnet

Guess I'm the odd man out here. I don't use a trailer hook, but always use a trailer plastic of some kind. If I get a lot of short strikes, I change the trailer. I use spinnerbaits in cover quite a bit, and have lost too many to the trailer hook.

Cheers,

GK

I will not cast an spinnerbait, a buzzbait or a buzz frog without one.

Trailer hooks are a necessity at times.  They'll turn a two or three fish day into a bonanza if they are short-striking.  You'll feel them bump your bait or alter the throb of your blades, but you will hook nothing.  That's the time to add your trailer.  I actually rarely go without them anymore.  

They do increase your chances of landing bass and when using a trailer hook make sure you rig it with a small piece of surgical tubing around the eye before attaching it to the spinnerbait hook so it will help hold it in place. Usually when you buy a pack of trailer hooks they come with everything you need.