One simple way to increase your hookup ratio for certain lures is the use of a trailer hook.
This is particularly true for two lures: spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.
Both spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are two lures known to catch a lot of fish.
However, for all the fish that the two lures have caught there are also untold stories of all the fish missed when fishing these lures.
The problem of missing strikes when fishing spinnerbaits and buzzbaits is something that can easily be solved by equipping your wire baits with a trailer hook.
Why You Are Missing Strikes with Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits
Rest assured; it probably isn't your fault.
Here's 3 reasons that you're missing strikes when fishing these lures.
1. The design of the lures
The wire design that makes up buzzbait and spinnerbait body profiles, sadly, do a good job of shielding the hook which forces a bass to either completely engulf the lure or strike it from specific angles (side, behind) in order to get good hookups.
2. Retrieval speed
Despite bass being able to slurp up their prey using the vacuum-like effect created when opening their mouths, this is no match for your lures unhindered retrieval speed.
Ever fished a spinnerbait or buzzbait - got a bite - missed the hook set - and soon realized the tail of your soft plastic trailer was missing?
This can often be the result of the lure running at a steady speed rather than being caught up in the gulping, vacuum effect of a feeding bass that prey fish fall victim to.
Bass do not have this advantage when striking a moving lure being ran on a steady retrieve which often-times results in a bass missing the hook of your lure.
3. How bass target baitfish
Both spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are largely used to imitate baitfish.
Bass do not always target baitfish with the initial intentions of consuming their prey.
A bass, like many predatory fish that feed on schooling baitfish, will act with the intentions of wounding their prey or at least separating prey fish from the rest of the school.
This behavior, among all species of bass, is especially true for smallmouth bass.
This feeding behavior of slashing or swatting at prey fish poses a problem when fishing a lure with a hook that doesn't have any free swinging movement.
How a Trailer Hook Fixes These Problems
A trailer hook is a simple fix to all three of the above issues. Here's why...
(SOLVED) 1. The design of the lures
To combat the lure design of wire baits, a trailer hook provides you with an additional hook that freely moves while also extending the hook profile of the lure.
Because the trailer hook is not bound to the stiff wire design of the lure it can move in all directions when a fish strikes the lure.
In saying this, it's very important to use a trailer hook that allows for free movement to overcome this issue.
(SOLVED) 2. Retrieval speed
The addition of a trailer hook lengthens the overall hook profile of your spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.
The extra one or two inches that the trailer hook adds to your hook profile is really all you need to catch the fish that are barely missing your lure.
Now instead of a fish ripping the tail off of your soft plastic trailer, you'll be rippin' the lips of the fish.
TIP: To avoid affecting the action of your spinnerbait or buzzbait trailer make sure to add your trailer hook after your soft plastic. This puts the trailer hook on top allowing it to be more exposed and out of the way of your soft plastic.
(SOLVED) 3. How bass target baitfish
Similar to the first point, the addition of a freely moving trailer hook increases your chances of getting bit when bass swipe your spinnerbait or buzzbait.
Once you begin using a trailer hook you may notice some of your hook ups actually happen on the outside of the fishes mouth.
This is a common hook placement for fish that aren't initially interested in eating your lure but instead looking to bump your lure.
TIP: Don't have a dedicated trailer hook laying around? A great alternative is a treble hook. Just don't' forget to use some type of stopper to prevent your trailer hook from sliding off your main hook.
Trailer Hook Rigging Options
There are a bunch of brands to choose from when picking a trailer hook.
To be honest with you, they all will get the job done.
Common trailer hook sizes range from 2/0 - 4/0 depending on the size of your wire bait.
The important part when rigging them is to ensure they are able to freely move.
Also know that there are alternatives to the stoppers used to help secure trailer hooks on the main hook.
Popular trailer hook stopper alternatives are plastic tubing, heat shrink, rubber bands, or even hole-punched milk carton pieces!
The important takeaway here is to use them!
By doing so, you can thank yourself the next time you reel a fish in and find out the trailer hook was the only thing keeping them on the end of your line!
Time to go catch em'!
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