I had this question emailed to me earlier today, and its a fair question some folks might be asking themselves as they prepare to make their rigs for the upcoming season.
The standard answer is two, spaced roughly 2.5 to 3 inches apart. That’s what you find in the big name packages, and the ones I sell are the same make-up. Usually they are both size #2 hooks of one brand or type of another. Occasionally you will find the big hook up front, and a smaller #4 as the back hook. Some companies use #4’s for both hooks, but that is getting to be pretty rare.
What do the tournament pro’s run? Not really a simple answer either because many use different configurations. What Tommy Skarlis runs could very well be completely different than what Mark Martin uses.
One popular set-up is a #2 hook up front and a #10 treble in the rear, or it might be a #8. Some have gone to using two #6 treble hooks, while some others still use the standard two hooks in size #2 bait holders. Some use #4’s early in the spring with the smaller sized blades, and then switch out to the bigger #2’s later in the season when they start running the bigger blades.
What do I use isn’t exactly an easy answer either, because I have a bunch of different set-ups. But, my favorite rig is actually made up of three #2 Mustad Ultra Points. These are similar to the beak or octopus variety. Why three? One, because I can. Two, because I like a little more hook in the meat. Total distance is slightly more than three inches, but there is a lot less space between the hooks, thus increasing my hook up percentage.
I do have some treble hooks rigged with the #2, but usually my back hook is a #6 Mustad Triple Grip, with the short shank. This is a great hook, but in the smaller sizes the gap between the points and the shank are a little tight so I went one size bigger.
If you want to run the #8’s and #10’s, they work well, but make sure you use the wide bend variety for maximum gap between shank and point. A stiff rod when using those is a no, no. A softer rod will allow the treble to sink in a bit, where a stiff rod will skid over the roof plate without hooking up.
What’s the correct make-up? The answer to that is you. Just like I use the three hook set, its what do you have confidence in is what you need to consider the most while making your rigs. Will they all catch fish, the answer is yes. Will one rig catch more fish than the other, not really, but there may be slight differences depending on your equipment.