New Replacement Treble Hooks from ICAST 2021
I recently wrote about the need to bring spare treble hooks with you on fishing travel, with our trips to El Salto and Picachos as the focus. I stand by my thesis that making sure you have ultra-sharp hooks on your lures at all times is one of the best ways to maximize your catch rate. Fish that eat lures with quality trebles tend to stay hooked, and you’ll also end up landing some of those that just slash at a lure.
I’ve amassed quite a selection of replacement hooks in the home office, but I’m always looking for better solutions. Here are some of the new options that were introduced at the 2021 ICAST show. I haven’t tried any of them yet but will include some of each in my next order:
Ryugi Pierce Quad Swivel Eye Hook – I’ve already purchased some of Decoy’s quad-style hooks but have not given them a thorough workout. Frankly, I don’t know if four tines are better than three when it comes to replacement hooks, or if three is the magic number. My Decoys are small, size #6, while these are clearly made for larger baits like swimbaits and big cranks as they’re available in Size #1, 1/0 and 2/0. They’re Teflon-coated, but the feature I really like is the fact that they swivel, so a gyrating bass can’t use your lure’s weight as leverage to get away.
Gamakatsu SP HX Treble Hook – Another lineup that skews larger, starting at #3 and going all the way up to 4/0 for you big bait enthusiasts. They use Gamakatsu’s Tournament Grade Wire (TGW) which is heavy duty, but neither as thick nor as heavy as most other 4X hooks.
Duo Realis Nano Treble Hook – These hooks, made by the company that popularized spybaiting, are on the lighter end of the spectrum. Tackle Warehouse has them in sizes #5, #6 and #8. They’re lightweight with a Teflon coating, and should excel on more weight-sensitive baits like jerkbaits.
Gamakatsu G-Finesse Feathered Trebles – I’ve been using Gamakatsu’s “naked” G-Finesse trebles for several years and I’ve been impressed with the strength and holding power of the TGW technology. I have a strong feeling that these trebles will end up being my replacements for Ricos and other topwaters, although in total honesty I think they’re a little pricey for a two-pack at about ten bucks.
A few notes:
Historically, when manufacturers have introduced new trebles they’ve limited themselves to the most common sizes – 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0. I’m thrilled to see all of the “in-between” sizes that are now available. If you don’t already have the full range, invest in some tweeners.
I’m a little disappointed that Tackle Warehouse has yet to stock the BKK hooks, despite featuring a video about them from the Orlando show. I’d guess it is a supply chain issue. I discovered BKK during my deep dive into the world of saltwater popping tackle and I know that Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit champion Jacopo Gallelli had them as his title sponsor this year, so I expect we’ll have them available to us shortly.
