On thing to consider with bigger hooks is they will be really hard on smaller fish. Lot more hooks through the eye etc. Big hooks will kill more of the smaller salmon that get released. How many more, no idea, but I've let a lot more go with one eye or bleeding from bigger hooks than smaller hooks.
Plug advice
- Thread starter fish brain
- Start date
trophywife
Crew Member
i like pulling the pin because if you break off you get your plug back...
also like keeping a few left in, as it works like a great T handle to just lift the fish in.
big hook as you can with the curve of the hook right behind the end of the plug. this really helps keep the dinks off too.
also like keeping a few left in, as it works like a great T handle to just lift the fish in.
big hook as you can with the curve of the hook right behind the end of the plug. this really helps keep the dinks off too.
Rain City
Crew Member
I rigged one that way and then never ran it. When I sent the pic to one of our top rods he told me to have fun releasing all the smalls. "We run big plugs with big hooks to catch big fish" - Better fisherman than me.
Do shakers try to eat plugs? "Plugs are for big fish," I have been told so I am guessing less so than spoons.
One issue I have had as a plug novice, was the big single hook getting hooked around the top of the plug. I think that may have been caused by dropping it down too fast.
One issue I have had as a plug novice, was the big single hook getting hooked around the top of the plug. I think that may have been caused by dropping it down too fast.
trophywife
Crew Member
the smaller fish definitely bang them, but far less hook ups.
on your issue, drive faster and let it down slower.
RiverBoy
Well-Known Member
i have had six inch juveniles salmon impaled on my six inch plugs. not even really sure what they were thinking…
James Brant
Member
there is a growing trend to smaller hooks, to minimize salmon mortality on undersized fish in particular. if fly fisherman can land chinook with small hooks.... i went to size 3/4 on a quality bead chain on all my plugs (i use plugs most the time) and on a swivel on my spoons. i haven't lost a fish yet due to the hook. these are 6" tubbies and yes, each has caught fish.
James Brant
Member
both Tomic and West Coast will be downsizing their hooks in accordance with the recommendations of the Sportfishing Institute findings.
www.sportfishing.bc.ca
Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia
www.sportfishing.bc.ca
James Brant
Member
those are huge plugs. 6 inch tubbies.
fish brain
Crew Member
Your hooks look further back on the plug than mine. How far from the tail are they?
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Going a size or two up in hook size will prevent that.
trophywife
Crew Member
i have tried the smaller hook, further back,, seemed to foul hook more smalls and actually foul hook more in general. side dragging a 20 lber from 200' is awesome. lol
kanuckle head
Well-Known Member
Would like to find out if pulling the pin is as effective or more than the stock Tomic setup
I like the idea of, if the leader breaks the plug will float up for a possible recovery
Still on the waterproof glow sticker kick and repainting kick......
I like the idea of, if the leader breaks the plug will float up for a possible recovery
Still on the waterproof glow sticker kick and repainting kick......
RiverBoy
Well-Known Member
when you tie direct to plug, the action is restricted slightly from the line tension. when you pull the pin, the face of the plug digs harder and the tail action is more erratic. therefore the plug swims more like an actual baitfish.
be careful when pulling pin not to “ mar “ the inside of the plug, as it can fray your line, and also cause plug to leak
be careful when pulling pin not to “ mar “ the inside of the plug, as it can fray your line, and also cause plug to leak
PEETZcanada
Well-Known Member
That's why I personally order all my tomic plugs with speed rings on the tow bar. I rarely pull the pins. Just my preference. There is no wrong way to catch fish as long as you are catching.
Srthomas75
New Member
What do you mean by speed rings?
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