In light of the discussion on single hooks I thought it would be nice to hear from any of you who have switched over from trebles. I did a couple of searches and found "Hooks" from June 21,2007 and "A Few Questions" from Oct 5, 2008.

Sound like if we want to remove our trebles from DB's, etc.. and go to singles we should look at Eagle Claw Siwash size 6 or 4? Is this still correct?

Here are the other questions: Mount the hook pointed up or down? Or does it matter? Seems like it should curve the same way the lure does?

How are results? Missing more fish? Easier release?

Bought a rubber net, trying to have pliers ready, getting fish back to water quickly, handling fish as little as possible. Now want to do what is right as far as hooks go and would like to hear what works for the fisherman, and the fish! THANKS!

Great questions, fantastic changes, exciting to see. I just changed many of my favorites but haven't been out yet. Already had a spoon like top gun, hook pointing down so that is how I loaded em. It is a little intimidating when I look at my box, hundreds of lures (boy, I hope my wife doesn't read this post, lol) so it will be a process, not an overnight. I read a post earlier this week, said one LDR and all others caught and very easily released, hook fell off in net. Can't wait to post my own results!! Tight lines!!

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This is what I do for sizing single hooks. Look at the treble hook and visually measure the distance between the hooks on the gang treble and use a single hook that has the same or smaller throat. Larger hook will have larger barbs. VMC hooks seem to have a sharper point than Eagle Claw, unless if you want the super sharp point, then Gamakatsu is what you want.
Captain Hook

You want open eye style hook and it is to point down. There is probably no difference in hook up with up or down, but if plan on hanging your lure on Hook Um pads or similar storage, then you want them down for consistency and to be compatible with manufactures that supply lures with single hooks.

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Gus

I've been out with Gray Ghost three times this season so far. I can say that we have not seen any more LDRs with single hooks than with treble. All lures have been single hook but not the barbs pinched.And yes we have caught enough fish to be able to say that.
All fish caught have been in good health and no hook wounding but one.
Cal

Been using single hooks for two year. Will never go back to treble hooks. I think single are far ahead for catching salmon.

Regarding hook facing up or down.
I've looked at acouple catalogs, and all the single hooks are facing up on the salmon lures.

Louis

Another thing I would like to add to Gus and Cal's post. I am almost certain that this year is a minimum of three years for Gus using single hooks. Maybe Gus will clarify? Iknow he turned me on to them prior to last year. Time flies when you are having so much fun catching fish on single hooks. For the record, I am a fan of Gamakatsu, Siwash hooks.
Richard

I switched my hooks this past winter. I went with Gamakatsu Siwash from Kittery Trading Post. I put size 4's on Top Guns, Savant Winnie Wonders, Db's etc.. I put Size 6's on Guides Specials, Mini BBguns and other small spoons 2 inch and down...I might even try a size 8 on the Little Guides, I will have to wait until July/august for that trial. I caught a few fish so far this season and have been happy with the results. Much easier getting the hook out and I had only one LDR but I had those with trebles as well. So far I am sold. I put my hooks on down so I could hang them on my Hook-Um pads and still see the paint/tape job. Very happy with the Gamakatsu Hooks, very sharp and very stong.

At the gathering I was passing out free siwash hooks and didn't have too many people take them. Remember Eagle Claw is the only American manufacturer of fishing hooks in the World. Five years ago you could say that the Japanese had a better hook but you can't today. Our new Trokar hook is 50% sharper than Anyones hook. All our hook points are sharper now than they ever were before. Buy American and save someone job!

We don't make them in the Trokar series yet, but AJ has the regular ones. Alan can get whatever you guys want.