penetration
Here ’ s a further thing to consider . Penetration of the hook point is vital to securing a fish . If the hook point does not penetrate , then you ’ re wasting your time even fishing the lure .
Fine , and consequently lighter and weaker hooks penetrate far more easily than thicker and more robust hooks . Finer hooks can be fished on lighter rods and with lighter lines as the power needed to get penetration is small when compared to the power needed to gain penetration with a 7x treble .
So not only do you need to consider how the trebles impact the lure ’ s action , you also need to consider what tackle you are using to chase the fish . Heavier gauge hooks require a rod capable of driving them home , which generally means thicker tips and heavier line classes .
You also need to think about what happens once the hook has penetrated ? How your tackle choice will impact on the treble ’ s performance during the fight ? It ’ s easy to get a 2x treble to drive home in a barra ’ s mouth on 50lb braid , but keeping that treble from straightening is going to be a tough gig on heavy braid .
The hook point shape is also a major consideration in penetration . A cone or needle point hook tends to penetrate more easily than a knife edge hook point as there is less friction . Try this test at home with a piece of paper and you ’ ll see for yourself . The important part in all this is that if the hook only partially penetrates , then the leverage on the hook point is increased and it ’ s far easier to bend out the hook . It ’ s also easier to bend or break the hook point . Both these situations can lead to lost fish . You can also try this at home . Grab a pair of pliers and bend a hook from the point above the barb . Next , do the same from just above the bend and see the difference . Hook penetration is vital . 19