Replacing treble hooks on muskie lures

[CALVINIST]

Hi, y'all!

Being I just started muskie fishing last year, I have a few lures now. Sadly, when I took them out of the storage box recently, I discovered ugly, festering rust and corrosion on the treble hooks . I guess that's what happens when lures are stored with any moistute on them. I an definitely going to use a different storage method (milk crate and pvc tubing as noted on previous post is worth a try) to help keep those lures dry. Needless to say, those treble hooks gotta go! My question is this: where can I get the right size treble hooks for a muskie sized lure? I have checked at Gander Mt. and Galyans, and cannot find them in that size (I could be blind . Are there different sized treble hooks that I should be concerned about, or does "one size fit all"? Also, the paint on my Believer has chipped away due to the action around the joint. Does anybody have suggestions as to how I can stop this from getting worse? e.g. nail polish?

------------------
<><<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>><>

[This message has been edited by CALVINIST (edited 03-23-2004).]

[Esoxmn]

For replacement hooks you could yry rollie and Hellens at muskyshop.com. You can also be sent a free catalouge.Thorn Bros should have tem also. I have been useing Inhibitor strips in my boxes while there stored for the winter. They work great so far.

[RuKiddingMe]

Calvinist,

I was just in a Gander Mountain a few days and seen some replacemnt hooks, they were in the same isle as the rest of the muskie baits. Another option is to call Stamina Inc and get a catalog or visit their site staminainc dot com, they have many diffenent manufactures to choose from.

As far as hooks size go, the most common sizes you will see are 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0. Some of the smaller lures had 2/0 and the bigger ones had 6/0 and 7/0.

Another thing to look at is are the hooks long or short shafts? Also Some lures don't come with Split rings attached so you'll have to cut them off and replace with split rings, not to worry there aren't too many lures that lose their action to this, and some folks like it better.

Another option with those rusty hooks is a drummel tool with the wire attachment, I do this to my lures every so often, usually when I'm going through and sharpening hooks.

The best way to stop the paint flaking would be to pick up some envirotex, it's like a weather proof epoxy. I hear you can get it at Menards and Home Depot, there will also be some in the Stamina Inc catalog or HSOforum.

Good Luck

RU

[David Swenson]

One thing with lures and hooks to watch out for is the effect a new hook will have on the action of the lure. Some baits are really fussy while others it does not matter. Glide baits and Jerk baits can be real sensitive to hook changes while bucktails it might not matter at all. You can have a $30.00 bait that does even work right after changing hooks just because the hook style or size you put on is different than what the manufacturer had on the bait.

Try to match the same hook type and size of the baits original hook style, especially on glide or jerk baits. Take your old hooks to the bait store to ensure you get the right type and size.

Another thing to note is to make sure the hooks lay against the lure like other hooks on the bait.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[This message has been edited by David Swenson (edited 03-25-2004).]

[MT Net]

Take a trip to Thorne Brothers. Breing the checkbook!

[guideman]

I Change hooks on lures often, like my friend Dave says, you need to be aware of how a different hook, will effect the action of the bait.

The rust inhibitor, that was mentioned on a previous post, is a great idea, I use them myself.
Let all your baits dry off before you store them away, especially bucktails.
Most of the good muskie shops, will carry several brands of replacement hooks. Most baits have 3/0's or 4/0's, however there are several different kinds that you can buy.
There are the Xtra wide gap and Xtra heavy, the longshanked, thin wire and so on.....

------------------

Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
aceguideservice.com
Lake Vermilion
Muskies and More.

Pro Staff Member.
Catch-n Tackle.
CKat Custom Muskie rods.
Bearpaws Handpoured Baits
Ohio Pro Lure.
Muskie Nut Tackle.
Big Chimney Muskie Baits.
Marcum.

[This message has been edited by guideman (edited 03-25-2004).]

[CALVINIST]

Thanks for all of the good info you boys have given me. I will put it to good use I checked out the Thorne Bros. on the net. Man, that is some big fish store or what! A guy has to hold onto his wallet in there, right? Anyway, I will have to go there in person some time and see all those yummy lures for myself.

Calvinist

[This message has been edited by CALVINIST (edited 03-26-2004).]