Hooks for flat fall jigs

[westercoaster222]

Good day all. Campbell River area fisher here. We are into jigging salmon big time, as our 13' Whaler with one rigger is not very friendly for deep trolling.

Curious to hear your experiences with the flat fall style jigs, using the factory twin hooks, or removing those and going to swivel and siwash hook.

Hook up ratio on the factory twin hooks seem to be high, but is that high ratio worth the damage? I am trying to think through why a single would have much less of a ratio.

Another plus I see if the jig box could just be hookless jigs, and have a few pre crimped hooks ready to put on once the jig is selected. Keep the box tangle free.

 

[sly_karma]

As per the guidelines for reducing release mortality, use a single, smaller hook.

I've moved to using split ring pliers to connect the hook to the jig and the jig to the leader. Takes less time than untangling hooks and leaders.

 

[CBsqrd]

Pretty easy to rig the flat fall jigs with just a single assist hook rather than two if damage is your concern. Lots of flat fall jigs come rigged that way (Shimano Flat Sides for example).

I wouldn't go with a siwash hook to a swivel as that is a much more rigid connection than using assist cord and not how the jigs were designed to be rigged.

FWIW, pechesud.com is Canadian and has a large selection of pre-rigged and un-rigged assist hooks.

 

[the force]

I’ll second PecheSUD, have ordered stuff from him and he was great to deal with!

 

[PEETZcanada]

Good day all. Campbell River area fisher here. We are into jigging salmon big time, as our 13' Whaler with one rigger is not very friendly for deep trolling.

Curious to hear your experiences with the flat fall style jigs, using the factory twin hooks, or removing those and going to swivel and siwash hook.

Hook up ratio on the factory twin hooks seem to be high, but is that high ratio worth the damage? I am trying to think through why a single would have much less of a ratio.

Another plus I see if the jig box could just be hookless jigs, and have a few pre crimped hooks ready to put on once the jig is selected. Keep the box tangle free.

There are numerous ways to reach a successful outcome...its always best to just keep tasks simple and easy. There is no point in overthinking or complicating your path. Simple, simple, successfull. Always works. I use this mothod on all styles of jigs and sometimes spoons. Hook sizes from #1 to 1/0 though upper sizes depending on the target species. I also use vaious styles from octopus to live bait tuna hooks.

 

[RiverBoy]

I have been tying my own assist hook harnesses with smaller hook sizes to minimize damage, especially for coho. Twin assist hooks are absolute murder on coho; especially the way they tend to roll as you’re fighting them, they really mangle their faces and eyes. I really like the big river siwash hooks in 3/0. Plenty of holding power and sticky sharp.
I have been using Kevlar kite string that I purchased off Amazon for the harness material. I will echo what somebody said above, the harness is really critical with this style of jig as the fish have a harder time throwing the hook. if you attached directly to the bottom of the jig with hardware, they will be able to throw it easier. You can literally feel every head shake of the spring as they are trying to throw the hook.

 

[PEETZcanada]

I have been tying my own assist hook harnesses with smaller hook sizes to minimize damage, especially for coho. Twin assist hooks are absolute murder on coho; especially the way they tend to roll as you’re fighting them, they really mangle their faces and eyes. I really like the big river siwash hooks in 3/0. Plenty of holding power and sticky sharp.
I have been using Kevlar kite string that I purchased off Amazon for the harness material. I will echo what somebody said above, the harness is really critical with this style of jig as the fish have a harder time throwing the hook. if you attached directly to the bottom of the jig with hardware, they will be able to throw it easier. You can literally feel every head shake of the spring as they are trying to throw the hook.

I have used the top and back placement and IMHO the only critical aspect is length (Not too long or hook to mainline issues occur). Because my oppinion only matters to me, I am only offering a thought in relation to hook-up ratio. I have rarely lost fish from tail rigs, I do however have a greater hook-up ratio at the tail set up. My rod, reel, line, lure and hook are the full system...this includes the drag presure exerted. I use Power Pro downrigger braid line for my hook rigs. I like the heavy diameter and overall rigidity of it. As I have always stated there is absolutely no wrong way to catch fish, as long as you are catching. My other moto is Keep an open mind, never quit learning, always build upon your methods and pay attention to detail. Always.