Retrofitting lures with new trebles and split rings is something that all anglers will do at some stage . These days , the number of quality products on the tackle store shelves to do this is almost endless and there really is no longer any reason to simply put ‘ whatever-hook-you-have ’ on your lures But recommending the right treble is not the point of this article , the point ( pun absolutely intended ) is to get you all thinking about the impact changing trebles and rings on your lures can have . Do it wrong and you can change your best lure into your worst lure . Do it right and you can change the worst lure into , probably the same worst lure , but with better hooks . weight
I ’ ve spoken to many lure makers over the years and I always like to talk about weight and how it impacts on their lures . With the big , robust cod-style lures , weight is rarely a governing factor in hook choice , but as the lures get smaller and more ‘ finesse ’ the importance of keeping the weight in and around the right area increases in importance . And once you start talking about suspending lures , that weight is critical . The problem with many imported lures is that they are not ready to be fished in Australia . It ’ s common knowledge that for fish like barra , the lure ’ s hooks , and especially rings , need to be right or else failures will occur . This is not necessarily the hook ’ s or split ring ’ s fault , but is more likely the result of the angler having an expectation beyond the capabilities of the terminal gear being used . You bought the lure , so you need to make sure it can handle the pressure . One of my favourite jack lures comes with pretty good hardware for average use . If I am using 20lb braid and a 30lb leader I will not change out the rings and hooks . But if I am fishing this lure on heavier tackle , say 30lb braid and 45lb leader , the poor old terminal tackle comes up a bit short . This is not the fault of the lure , but rather the fact that I am fishing drags and lines way too heavy for the lure to withstand . But , this is a suspending lure and changing hooks and rings out is fraught with drama . Too much weight sees this lure turn instantly into a sinker , and while that in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing , it does change the lure ’ s characteristics .
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