Ask The Pros

What's the best way to attach a trailer hook to a jig and spinnerbait?

Question:
What's the best way to attach a trailer hook to a jig and spinnerbait?

-Kurt

Answer:
There are actually a couple ways to rig a trailer hook on to your spinnerbait or even buzz bait, but as far as a jig is concerned the only time I have ever felt like adding a trailer hook to a jig is while swimming one.

The most common way to attach a trailer hook to a spinnerbait is by purchasing a spinnerbait trailer hook which includes a rubber tubing or plastic tubing in the packaging. This tubing will act as an anchor to keep the hook form coming off the spinnerbait hook. What makes a trailer hook is the size of the eyelet; the diameter has to be big enough to fit over the hooks point and barb on the spinnerbait. Simply place the rubber tubing over the eyelet of the trailer hook, and thread the spinnerbait hook through the eyelet and tubing. Make sure that the trailer hooks matches the bend of spinnerbait hook. This will make sure the hook is the right side up.

One other technique which I love to use is a feathered treble hook on a spinnerbait. Not only will this bring more action to your spinnerbait/buzz bait, but if the fish even swipes the bait it will become hooked. I have found over time that bass have become accustomed to spinnerbaits so a lot of times they will just nudge it, when this happens I deploy the feather treble hook as a trailer. I like a size 1 or 1/0 treble for this trick. I still use the rubber tubing over the eye of the treble to keep the trailer intact to the spinnerbait. I rig it with two hook points up and one hook point down. This will allow the spinnerbait to come through cover with ease. One thing you need to keep in mind while throwing this combo is to soften up the tip of your rod and fight the fish more like a fish caught on crankbait. The gap on the treble hook is smaller that the gap on your spinnerbait’s main hook and many fish can be lost due to over powering a fish. I hope these tips help you on your next trip.

Travis Rulle - PAA, BASS, and FLW professional angler