Couple lure modification Qs

[cjac]

First one: I took a tandem Rad Dog and cut the 2nd blade off, do the three beads left on there matter at all? I'm guessing not but was curious.

Second: How do you replace the rear hook on some topwaters that are "hard wired", like the Topper Stopper, its actually soldered, correct? So how would you replace the rear treble?

One more: When upgrading hooks on smaller baits, like a Rap Super Shad for example, how big do you go? 2/0...3/0? Do you hit a point where the action of the lure is impaired?

Was tinkering around last night, if you can't tell....

Chris

[RK]

Hiya -

1.) The 3 beads don't matter at all. I like M&Gs but turn them all into single spins and just leave the beads there. Been doing it for 20 years.

2.) Just put a split ring on the rear soldered ring. Doesn't affect it much at all.

3.) You can definitely hit a point where the hooks ruin the action. Some baits are more touchy than others. Just have to try 'em and see. Can usually get away with going one size bigger. On small baits with 3 hooks, you can go a size (or sometimes two sizes) up on the front and back hook, and leave the middle hook off and usually not hurt the action much if at all. Actually, taking the middle hook off is something I usually do either way on baits under 6-7 inches or so. 6-inch Jakes and 6-inch Reef Hawgs are good examples. No reason to have 3 trebles on a bait 6 inches long. Just another set of hooks to dig out of a fish, and on baits that size they usually eat the whole thing anyhow.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[cjac]

Thanks Rob, I figured as much on the beads, but with the Mouldy's it makes you wonder why don't they just make the lure with the split ring on it from the get-go? Oh well, thanks again.

Hey, since your summer tiger tactics were spot on, do you have any good fall ones for me?

Chris