Plug advice

[fish brain]

I have a homemade plug that I have only fished once. The time I used it the only hit of the day was on the plug, so I think I’m on the right track. The fish hit and immediately took two strong runs and then slipped the hook during the second run. I didn’t get a chance for a proper hook set.
My question is: was it just bad luck, did not having a chance to get a proper hook set have something to do with it or is there a flaw with the plug design? I realize the line could exit the plug body further back.

 

[Samnjoe]

Bigger hook

 

[Stizzla]

Extra barbs.

 

[fish brain]

I have a homemade plug that I have only fished once. The time I used it the only hit of the day was on the plug, so I think I’m on the right track. The fish hit and immediately took two strong runs and then slipped the hook during the second run. I didn’t get a chance for a proper hook set.
My question is: was it just bad luck, did not having a chance to get a proper hook set have something to do with it or is there a flaw with the plug design? I realize the line could exit the plug body further back. View attachment 115011View attachment 115012

@PEETZcanada ?

 

[Samnjoe]

At least a 6/0

 

[fish brain]

At least a 6/0

Do you worry that a hook that big will affect the action?

 

[Rain City]

Do you worry that a hook that big will affect the action?

This guy fu€k$
6/O

 

[fish brain]

This guy fu€k$
6/OView attachment 115024

I hate to ask, but how big is your plug?

 

[Maxpri]

I hate to ask, but how big is your plug?

More about how you use it

 

[Rain City]

I hate to ask, but how big is your plug?

It's not long, but it sure is skinny.

No but seriously, that's a 6".

 

[Alex_c]

It's not long, but it sure is skinny.

No but seriously, that's a 6".

only 6” but smells like a foot right

 

[Samnjoe]

Do you worry that a hook that big will affect the action?

No . Pretty standard size for Tomic.

 

[the force]

only 6” but smells like a foot right

Helps if you can hit bottom once in a while…I mean I heard that’s where big spring hang this time of year

 

[Aquaholic]

No . Pretty standard size for Tomic.

If the plug does not “swim“ properly, you can help it by changing hook sizes, as they act as a bit of a rudder. I had one that I pulled the pin on, and it wouldn’t swim as it should until I found the right hook.

 

[Samnjoe]

Big hook big fish.
I will await the scolding on the poor pinch job.

 

[fish brain]

So what I'm getting here is bigger hook and maybe run it further back?

 

[Aquaholic]

So what I'm getting here is bigger hook and maybe run it further back?

Is it running slightly on its’ side or is it running as it should? I believe the other suggestions for a bigger hook are so you have a better chance of retaining the fish.

 

[PEETZcanada]

I have a homemade plug that I have only fished once. The time I used it the only hit of the day was on the plug, so I think I’m on the right track. The fish hit and immediately took two strong runs and then slipped the hook during the second run. I didn’t get a chance for a proper hook set.
My question is: was it just bad luck, did not having a chance to get a proper hook set have something to do with it or is there a flaw with the plug design? I realize the line could exit the plug body further back. View attachment 115011View attachment 115012

Tomic suggests that the hook size match the plug size. For instance a 4 inch plug 4/0, 5 inch 5/0, 6 inch 6/0, 7 inch 7/0. In my experience angling with plugs for most of my life and heavily with the Tomic brand, I would concider their suggestion very ture for the most part. Once you get into the Tubby version, I would suggest a hook size larger and in the 6 inch tubby and 7 inch a 9/0. This all changes if you pull the pin(tow-bar).

Now all this said every manufacture has different specifications for their lures as most balance the lure with the hook in many cases. There is always room to play by going up or down in hook sizes on numerous brands products. With your handmade lure, by my observation, I would suggest that you have already proven that fish are attracted to it and that they will strike. I noticed that your configuration is line through with a swivel and bead. If you remove all the pacer beads and keep the larger bead in it's position , pull your line back so the hook is closer to the tail and then peg the bead with a tooth pic or Trout Bead brand peg at the belly of your plug, you will get more solid hook-ups using that existing hook size.

I hope that helps.

 

[fish brain]

Is it running slightly on its’ side or is it running as it should? I believe the other suggestions for a bigger hook are so you have a better chance of retaining the fish.

It swims very nicely at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it performs with a larger hook.

 

[fish brain]

Tomic suggests that the hook size match the plug size. For instance a 4 inch plug 4/0, 5 inch 5/0, 6 inch 6/0, 7 inch 7/0. In my experience angling with plugs for most of my life and heavily with the Tomic brand, I would concider their suggestion very ture for the most part. Once you get into the Tubby version, I would suggest a hook size larger and in the 6 inch tubby and 7 inch a 9/0. This all changes if you pull the pin(tow-bar).

Now all this said every manufacture has different specifications for their lures as most balance the lure with the hook in many cases. There is always room to play by going up or down in hook sizes on numerous brands products. With your handmade lure, by my observation, I would suggest that you have already proven that fish are attracted to it and that they will strike. I noticed that your configuration is line through with a swivel and bead. If you remove all the pacer beads and keep the larger bead in it's position , pull your line back so the hook is closer to the tail and then peg the bead with a tooth pic or Trout Bead brand peg at the belly of your plug, you will get more solid hook-ups using that existing hook size.

I hope that helps

Thank you Robert. Your insight is always helpful.