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vleal · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 8:55 pm Post subject: Best hooks/jigheads for trout?

O.K. My question is, when fishing for trout, what hook works best for trout using live bait and what jigheads work really well for artificial(soft plastics)? I know this is a very broad question but also keep conservation in mind. What hooks work best but also which ones have the least rate of mortality for catch and release? All comments greatly appreciated!!

FlakMan · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 7:07 am Post subject: Jig heads

I use everything from unweighted to 1/2 oz. In bays the maxium weight used is 1/4 oz . In surf the minimum weight used is 1/4 oz - if current is ripping I have used 1/2 oz.

I use the screw in type jigheads with wide gap Gamagatus hooks. I believe they are made by Norton.
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Ahh sand between my toes!

GoinCoastal · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 7:59 am Post subject:

I don't like messing with screwing a soft plastic on a jighead. I want my soft plastics perfectly straight so they provide the best action. It takes too much time for me to get it straight with the screw lock jigheads.

So I use mostly a Norton lead head with a barb in 1/16oz. I use keel weighted Mustads for a weighted but weedless presentation. And I use grisby's z-hook or Mustad Ultra-Lock worm hooks for weightless and weedless soft plastics. I fish mostly in the bays for reds and specks. I like to use the lightest lure I can get away with.
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GoinCoastal aka Cap'nSherbet

FlakMan · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 2:24 pm Post subject: Goincoastal

Now I know why I never see you catch anything in the surf Laughing

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Ahh sand between my toes!

oldsaltyone · Mud Minnow Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 17

I don't know what is "best" but I will throw my opinion out here for you.

For jigheads, I use the 1/4 oz. hogie screw lock style with the 3/0 Gamakatsu hook in almost every instance in the bay. I use Norton Sand Eel Jr's. quite a bit and this jighead/hook combo fits it perfectlly. When I switch baits and go to a 5" Bass Assasin or Texas Trout Killer, I'll still use the same jighead. I guess I should switch to a 1/8 oz. Bass Assasin screw type jig head with the 5/0 hook for a little more "bite" with the larger hook. One of the reasons I don't go with this 5/0 jighead is if you do get into some dink trout, that large hook seems to do a lot of damage in the eye area of those small trout. I've never really noticed a problem like that when catching larger, keeper size fish though.

Just for general information, the actual weights of jigheads varies tremendously from one brand to another. I've weighed different jigs on an electronic balance scale at my work and am amazed at the differences. For instance, the 1/4 oz. Hogie I use is actually lighter than the 1/8 oz. Bass Assasin I spoke of above.

For live finger mullet I like the Mustad Croaker hooks. They will stay very sharp over a few trips and to me, that is very important. I'll try to use smaller hooks (1/0) with smaller mullet, and go up to 4/0 or 5/0 with the larger ones. As far as one type of hook being more "conservation friendly" over another, I really don't think there is a lot of difference in my experience. If you let the trout swallow and swim before setting the hook, it's just gonna be hooked deep. You may miss a few fish, but to be conservation minded, set that hook quick.

GoinCoastal · Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 7:39 am Post subject:

That's because of I am fishing with Tyler every time you've seen me!!!! He is my JINX!!!!! But Madame Vodini has corrected that now, we hope!
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GoinCoastal aka Cap'nSherbet

Mike S · Guest

vleal
oldsaltyone has pretty much hit the nail on the head. I would like to add
one thing. For conservation efforts do not use jigheads with or any other type of stainless steel hooks. If you break the fish off or hook the fish deep and cut the line the hook never goes away..

Mike S

Alfish · Mud Minnow Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Austin

I like using the Bass Assassin screwlock jigheads 1/16 to 1/4oz. mostly, on occasion 3/8s are needed in the surf tho. Also I'll second those Mustad needlelock hooks mentioned above, they work great getting through the grass & give great action to your soft plastic.

Al

vleal · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 4:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks so much for the information. All conservation measures will help for the future generations. The advise from the replies will be put to work on the water.