The strategic placement of a trailer hook on your jig can significantly increase your hook-up ratio, especially when targeting short-striking or cautious fish. Properly securing the trailer hook ensures it functions as an extension of your jig, maximizing your chances of landing the fish.
Why Add a Trailer Hook to Your Jig?
Adding a trailer hook to your jig is all about increasing your hooking percentage. Many fish, particularly bass, will nip at the trailer of your jig rather than inhaling the entire bait. A trailer hook positioned at the back of the trailer provides an extra point of contact, turning those tentative strikes into solid hooksets. This is especially crucial in situations where:
- Fish are short-striking: Cold water, pressured fish, or specific forage preferences can lead to less aggressive takes.
- Cover is thick: A well-placed trailer hook can help snag fish buried in dense vegetation.
- You’re using large trailers: Larger trailers can obscure the main hook, reducing its effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Trailer Hook
The ideal trailer hook depends on the size of your jig and the type of trailer you’re using. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Hook Size: The trailer hook should be proportional to your jig and trailer. Too small, and it won’t effectively hook the fish. Too large, and it will impede the jig’s action and possibly spook fish. A general rule of thumb is to use a trailer hook that is approximately 1/0 to 3/0 for most bass jigs.
- Hook Style: Wide gap hooks are popular for their ability to accommodate bulky trailers. Offset shank hooks are often preferred for their streamlined profile and ability to stay weedless.
- Wire Diameter: Choose a wire diameter that matches the power of your rod and the strength of your line. Finesse fishing requires lighter wire, while heavier cover demands a stronger, more robust hook.
- Color: While not always critical, matching the color of your trailer hook to your jig or trailer can create a more natural presentation. Black nickel and bronze are versatile choices.
Step-by-Step: Tying a Trailer Hook to a Jig
There are several methods for attaching a trailer hook. Here’s one of the most common and reliable:
- Thread the Hook Eye: Carefully thread the trailer hook onto the eye of the jig hook, ensuring the point of the trailer hook faces upwards and towards the jig’s body.
- Slide the Trailer: Push the trailer hook up the jig hook shank until it sits securely just behind the collar of the jig. This placement keeps the trailer hook close to the jig but allows for movement.
- Secure with a Trailer Keeper (Optional): A trailer keeper, a small rubber or plastic sleeve, can be slid onto the jig hook shank before threading the trailer hook. This will prevent the trailer hook from sliding down the shank during use.
- Insert the Jig Trailer: Rig your chosen trailer onto the jig. Ensure the trailer is aligned properly and that the trailer hook is positioned to enhance the trailer’s action.
- Adjust and Test: Gently pull on the trailer hook to ensure it is securely attached and won’t easily pull free. Adjust the position of the trailer hook and trailer as needed to achieve the desired presentation.
Fine-Tuning Your Trailer Hook Presentation
The key to maximizing the effectiveness of your trailer hook lies in subtle adjustments and experimentation. Consider these points:
- Hook Exposure: Experiment with burying the hook point slightly in the trailer for weedless presentations or leaving it exposed for better hook penetration in open water.
- Trailer Length: Longer trailers often benefit from a trailer hook, while shorter trailers may not require one. Adjust the trailer length and trailer hook size to achieve the optimal balance.
- Hookset Technique: A strong, sweeping hookset is essential for driving the trailer hook home, especially when fishing in heavy cover.
FAQs: Trailer Hooks on Jigs – Your Questions Answered
H3 FAQ #1: Will a trailer hook make my jig more weedless?
No, in most cases, a trailer hook will decrease the weedless nature of your jig. The extra hook point increases the likelihood of snagging on vegetation. However, burying the hook point slightly in the trailer can mitigate this to some extent.
H3 FAQ #2: What size trailer hook should I use with a 3/8 oz jig?
For a 3/8 oz jig, a 1/0 or 2/0 trailer hook is generally a good starting point. Consider the size and bulk of your trailer when making your final decision.
H3 FAQ #3: Is it necessary to use a trailer hook on every jig?
Not always. If you’re fishing in open water with clear visibility and aggressive fish, a trailer hook might not be necessary. However, it’s a valuable addition in most situations, especially when targeting bass.
H3 FAQ #4: Can I use a trailer hook with a swimbait trailer?
Yes, a trailer hook can be particularly effective with swimbait trailers, as it provides an extra point of contact for fish that are striking the tail.
H3 FAQ #5: What are trailer keepers, and are they necessary?
Trailer keepers are small rubber or plastic sleeves that slide onto the jig hook shank to prevent the trailer from sliding down. They are not strictly necessary, but they can significantly improve the longevity of your trailer rigging.
H3 FAQ #6: What’s the difference between an EWG trailer hook and a straight shank trailer hook?
An EWG (Extra Wide Gap) trailer hook is designed for bulkier trailers, providing more space for the hook point to penetrate. A straight shank trailer hook is suitable for smaller, thinner trailers.
H3 FAQ #7: How do I know if my trailer hook is too big?
If your trailer hook is interfering with the jig’s action, inhibiting the trailer’s movement, or causing the jig to become snag-prone, it’s likely too big. Downsize to a smaller hook.
H3 FAQ #8: Can I use a stinger hook instead of a trailer hook?
Yes, a stinger hook, which is typically tied to the jig with a short piece of line, is a valid alternative to a trailer hook. Stinger hooks can be useful when you want more flexibility in hook placement.
H3 FAQ #9: What line should I use to tie a stinger hook to my jig?
Use a strong, abrasion-resistant line like fluorocarbon or braided line in a pound test appropriate for the size of the fish you’re targeting. 15-20 lb test fluorocarbon is a common choice.
H3 FAQ #10: Should I use a trailer hook if I’m fishing for smallmouth bass?
Yes, trailer hooks can be just as effective for smallmouth bass as they are for largemouth bass. Smallmouth often strike aggressively, but a trailer hook can still help convert more strikes into hookups.
H3 FAQ #11: How do I store jigs with trailer hooks attached?
Carefully store jigs with trailer hooks in a tackle box or bag, ensuring that the hook points are protected to prevent snagging or injury. Consider using hook bonnets or sleeves for extra protection.
H3 FAQ #12: Is it legal to use two hooks on a jig in all states?
Regulations regarding the use of multiple hooks vary by state and sometimes even by specific bodies of water. Always check your local fishing regulations before using a trailer hook to ensure compliance. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to local fishing laws.
By understanding the principles outlined above and experimenting with different trailer hook sizes and presentations, you can significantly improve your jig fishing success and put more fish in the boat. Happy fishing!