tackle.

Just about any lure you buy in a domestic tackle shop comes standard with hardware, i.e. split rings and treble hooks. If you haven't already noticed, these are usually soft, poor quality components which in the GT popping arena - are a cardinal sin if you do not replace. Retrofitting your GT lures with new quality hardware is something that must never be overlooked.

Trebles vs. Singles

In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of using single hooks for GT lures. Why use single hooks? For those that have been experimenting with single hooks, there seems to be several advantages that exist over treble hooks.

1. Higher fight retention rate than trebles (hook remaining in the fish's mouth during the fight)
2. Less damage caused to fish
3. Do not warped/bend like trebles
4. Cheaper than trebles
5. Lighter than trebles

Now for some disadvantages:

1. Hook-up retention rates lower than trebles (singles are often missed more at strike than trebles)
2. Do not work as well when lure retrieve is not constant

In the scheme of things, using single hooks in GT popping is relatively new, and only time will tell if the above advantages and disadvantages are actually deserved. In case any of you were curious, no - don't throw out all your treble hooks! - both should be permanent mainstays in your tackle arsenal.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of trebles? Lets look at the advantages first:

1. Hook-up retention rates higher than singles (more hook-ups than singles when a fish strikes)
2. Work well with any retrieve

Now for some disadvantages:

1. Lower fight retention rate than singles (hook remaining in the fish's mouth during the fight)
2. Can cause significant damage to fish (also angler)
3. Can warp and bend under heavy pressure and unusual angles
4. More expensive than singles
5. Heavier than singles

In summary, a majority of anglers are sticking to trebles, however, there are other anglers out there experimenting with singles particularly on stickbaits, and even some who choose to use combinations.

What Types of Singles & Trebles Do I Choose?

Preferred trebles usually have a heavy gauge with a gape big enough to accommodate the large jaws of a GT. Choosing a treble that doesn't have these characteristics usually results in a warped, deformed treble and a lost fish! Choosing a hook with a gape that is too small will result in pressure being applied further away from the shank and outside the hook's gape.

Preferred brands of trebles include (in order of the author's preference): Gamakatsu Recorder, Decoy GT Special, Fisherman KG120, Owner ST-77 & Owner ST-66.

Preferred singles usually have a heavy gauge with a gape big enough to accommodate the large jaws of a GT - they have a better fight retention rate than trebles because pressure is being applied from the one direction and angle. Many of these hooks are used heavily in jigging.

Preferred brands of singles include (in order of the author's preference): Decoy Jigging Sergeant 2 (JS-2), Owner Jobu, Owner SJ-51.

Remember, crush or file down the barb on your hooks when popping for GTs. This help to minimise damage to fish and angler alike.

What Sizes Do I Use?

The minimum treble hook size used when popping for big GTs is usually a 5/0 (even this is considered small). GT trebles are made in sizes from 5/0 to 10/0. It is generally better to match the hook to the size and type of lure you want to use. You can compromise a lures balance and action by using hooks that are too heavy/light. When you are chasing really big fish then it is better to use a bigger hook size (obviously matched to the appropriate lure). As a guide, the author usually uses 6/0 trebles on large stickbaits and 6/0 to 8/0 trebles on poppers, bloopers and chuggers.

The minimum single hook size used when popping for big GTs is usually a 6/0 (even this is considered small).  Accepted GT singles are made (they are usually purpose built jig hooks) in sizes from 6/0 to 12/0. It is generally better to match the hook to the size and type of lure you want to use. You can compromise a lures balance and action by using hooks that are too heavy/light. When you are chasing really big fish then it is better to use a bigger hook size (obviously matched to the appropriate lure). As a guide, the author usually uses 8/0 singles on large stickbaits and 8/0 to 12/0 singles on poppers, bloopers and chuggers.

Other Things to Consider

Make sure you use appropriate split rings to attach hooks to your lures. These should be a heavy wire construction, minimum of 300lb breaking strain.

Preferred brands of split rings include (in order of the author's preference): Fisherman, Varivas, Decoy, Owner.

Assist cords/loops made of hollow Dyneema/Kevlar and even Zylon can be used to attach trebles and singles. Length is very much a personal choice but be conscious not to have them too long as this is likely to cause unnecessary injury to the fish. Make these assist cords/loops out of the strongest breaking strain you can obtain - as a guide the author doesn't use anything weaker than 300lb.