Jerkbaits/Crankbaits with hooks removed for prefishing

[UofMBASS]

Hey all,

Looking forward to some tournaments coming up this spring and I was wondering if anybody has ever experimented with completely removing the hooks from a jerkbait or crankbait during prefishing?

I can't imagine that it would affect the action of the bait at all and although you wouldnt be able to visibly see the fish that grab onto it, you can still get a good idea of numbers of fish in an area or maybe size depending on how hard they hit it. I know many people tinker with things like jigs to more easily shake off bass, but has anyone here completely removed hooks from something like a jerkbait for prefishing smallies?

Thanks! I look forward to any responses

[RossT]

With jerkbaits you'll likely see a noticeable difference in action and suspending capabilities.  Most manufacturers design their jerkbaits with the weights of the hooks in mind. 

 

As for diving crankbaits, that is much more dependent upon the actual bait itself.

 

Have you thought about taking pliers and bending the hooks in and putting fresh hooks on for derby day? 

[UofMBASS]

2 hours ago, RossT said:

With jerkbaits you'll likely see a noticeable difference in action and suspending capabilities.  Most manufacturers design their jerkbaits with the weights of the hooks in mind. 

 

As for diving crankbaits, that is much more dependent upon the actual bait itself.

 

Have you thought about taking pliers and bending the hooks in and putting fresh hooks on for derby day? 

I've already played into thought the hooks and their affect on suspension. I figure that's nothing a few correctly placed suspendots (sliced up to be smaller) cant fix. I guess it will be trial and error, but I like the idea of bending hooks over too. Just need to remember to throw on some junk hooks beforehand.