Restrictive French legislation
Due to their long shape, many jerkbaits over 9 cm are equipped with 3 treble hooks as standard. This is to ensure a maximum number of attacks and to limit stalling. What's more, these lures are precisely balanced, especially the suspending models, whose density is identical or very close to that of the water.
As you probably know, apart from exceptions, in public waters the maximum number of hooks allowed is two (whether single, double or treble). As a result, when you unpack a jerkbait you often have to remove a hook. This has the effect of unbalancing the lure, which no longer has its original density. A suspending model will become buoyant with one triple removed.
On the other hand, this affects the behavior of many lures during animations, with a less precise or even downright unstable swimming action. And, of course, you'll be faced with a greater proportion of misfires and stalls.
So, unless you're fishing privately, on waters with specific regulations, or even abroad, a little tinkering is necessary to get your jerkbait to perform as it should. Nevertheless, there are a few tricks that will help you maximize your chances, even with three hooks!
Rigging is a point that is all too often neglected, yet essential on a jerkbait. I myself tend to be a little too lazy when faced with a tired hook, even though I know what it can cost me!...
Bear in mind that even if we're talking about the armament, the balance of the lure will most likely be altered. The weight of a hook is affected by its size, iron diameter and shape. The next section will deal more specifically with rebalancing your lure.
Removing a hook
But first, when it comes to removing a hook, one question always comes up: which one to remove? Personally, I often remove the one in the middle, as I feel that it's not the one that accounts for the majority of my catches.
It is often used as a "secondary" hook to secure the catch. For, as mentioned in article on jerkbait colors with the triple back lure, when you produce quality bites, the fish are often hooked on the top hook. On the other hand, the triple back allows you to take less aggressive fish in a more risky way, as they gently tap the lure or suck it in from behind.
After removing one of the three hooks, it's also a good idea to increase your two remaining hooks by one size. For example, if they were size 6, change to size 4. This rebalances the lure a little and reduces missed bites and stalls.
Hook shape
On the other hand, you're free to use any quality of iron and shape of treble (or even single for the most ethically upright). The vast majority of swimmer fish are sold with so-called "treble hooks" Round Bend "These hooks have a round bend with the point parallel to the shank. This type of hook has the advantage of being easily pricked on the bite, but can lead to unhooking. What's more, the "lowest-end" products are often delivered with poor-quality fittings that need changing (including broken rings).
Another very popular shape on hard lures in the United States is the EWG for "Extra Wide Gap". Some anglers swear by these hooks and systematically change their original trebles. With a wide bend and a narrower angle between the point and shank, the EWG shape is highly appreciated for its ability to keep bass hooked all the way to the boat. On the other hand, because of the very closed angle of the point, an EWG hook tends to bite bass less easily on very subtle bites.
The strength of iron
When it comes to jerkbait rigging, we also need to consider the diameter of the hook iron ("fine iron" or "strong iron", for example). A model iron end has an excellent penetrating power and will easily lodge itself in the tissues allowing you to make a lot of bites. On the other hand, when fighting, you must be careful not to apply too much pressure or the hooks will open.
In contrast, the more iron forts will need more pressure to come to grips, but allow you to fight your catch more authoritatively. This parameter must be taken into account not only in the way you fight the fish, but also in your equipment. In other words, rod power and line diameter.
We can distinguish two styles, two different schools of thought: on the one hand, the fine approach with ML or M rod and fine line (6-10lb), and on the other, the strong approach with MH rod and thicker line (12-16lb). For the fine approach, fine iron hooks are ideal, and for the strong approach, stronger iron trebles will be needed. Personally, I'm more in favour of the strong approach, especially close to the cover, as I prefer to maintain maximum control during the fight. However, the fine approach is often more effective in difficult conditions, for slow fishing in cold water, and if you need to fish deeper (by reducing the diameter of your line).
There is now a vast range of shapes, strengths, iron diameters, alloys, etc., to choose from. Don't hesitate to experiment, to see what suits your equipment and fishing style. In addition to the Round Bend and EWG hooks mentioned above, the Short Shank are also widely used in the USA for swimming fish. With a very short shank, it is possible to prevent the hooks from tangling, while maintaining a high size and possibly a wide bend (like the EWG). Kevin VanDam, famous American competitor, is certainly the man who has won the most money with a jerkbait at the end of his line. He uses this type of hook almost exclusively, coupled with an MH spinnerbait rod and 28 to 34/100 fluorocarbon. This suits his very fast fishing style and enables him to get bass out quickly and even drop them when they're well hooked.
For aficionados of finesse, the Katsuage hook by Megabass or the Barbarian hook by VMC, with barb on the outside, are designed to be planted very easily just by sucking on the fish. These are real needles, but you'll have to be careful during the fight because the hook is so thin.
In a nutshell
In short, jerkait rigging should be based on your fishing style, the tackle you use, and the conditions and configuration of the spot. Of course, this also applies if you want to optimize your technique, as it's always possible to catch a bass with a lure out of the box!
