Bucktail question

[Cooter]

Getting close to the time for me to start making some bucktails up - I've brought this up before but would like to take another shot....At approx what total length on a bucktail would most of you prefer a second treble hook? Lets assume total length as from the top of the blade to the end of the dressing(so not including a trailer of any sort). Thanks, later.

[traveler]

I'm sure this has been debated...but I have shied away from 2 treble bucktails as I have a lot more trouble unhooking fish (uninjured) from them. Thoughts?

[Cowgirladdict]

i caught 10 or so Muskies this past season on the front hook of a bucktail, so im saying a 2 hook bucktail is a must, for sure harder to unhook but well worth it

so to answer the question, i would say about mid point between rear hook and blade or blades

[MuskieMojoTackle]

I'm a big believer in the blades being the biggest attraction of a bucktail. Gotta have a hook as close to those blades as you can get it IMO

[LunkerBaitCo]

Ditto what Luke said. If fish are striking at the blades you want it right there; if fish are striking the hair, you've got the rear hook there.

[Cooter]

Thanks for the replies - anyone know when those bigger(4 and 5/0) triple grips are gonna be out?

[RK]

Hiya -

With me it sort of depends on what kind of bucktail it is. If I can get away with it at all, I prefer single hook bucktails - either a single Siwash like a Lily Tail, or a single treble. Most of my small burner bucktails have singles. Way, way easier to unhook fish. Most of these baits are small (5" or so) and have either French or Indiana blades. Lily Tails have Colorados, but they're all of about 4" long from top of blade to end of skirt.

With burners like this, fish seem to do one of two things - they either roll up behind them and slash, or they just woof the whole thing. Especially when you're really burning them, you get a lot of roll-nip hits. So on my burners the hook is way back on the bait. I have my little French-bladed burners custom made with a spacer between the skirt and the hook so the hook points are about even or a little behind the end of the skirt.

For bigger, slower moving baits, you get more T-bone hits - grab and turn. So I like one hook just behind the blade, and one back at the end of the skirt. The Harasser hooking configuration is a good example. I don't much care if the front hook is fixed like on a Harasser, or swinging free as on a Shumway Flasher.

As far as the Triple Grips go... We think they're coming, but can't say for sure when. I use the 3/0 Triple Grips on almost all the bucktails I have with single trebles. Awesome hooks, especially if you go barbless. Pete Maina and I have been on Mustad's case to make them in bronze, in sizes up to 5/0. What I do think is for sure coming soon will be a wider size range in the Ultimate Esox hook, which is an X-heavy Ultra Point treble. Really awesome hooks. Don't have to sharpen them, and they hold their point incredibly well. I think those will be available before too long in sizes up to 5/0.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[Cooter]

While we're on the bucktail subject, what are some thoughts on shrink tubing the rear treble such as the Llungen's? If it helps I think a guy should cuz its a cheap and easy fix. Thanks again, later.

Ooops, one more question. Does anyone know where to get some silver musky sized blades such as those with a finish(or whole blade) like on the Blue Fox french blades? Guess what I'm saying is not nickel but silver? I've looked around and can't find em - some of the salmon spinner folks make em but they're too small.

[Cowgirladdict]

try Stamina Tackle

good luck

[Cooter]

I know Stamina's complete product line by heart - don't think they have em unless I missed em. Might have to visit the Crazy D and seen if Ron has some Also would be a great way to find some new toys I have to have but can't afford

[RK]

Hiya -

Check with Ron. He's the best bucktail maker there is...

Cheers,

Rob Kimm