How to Replace Treble Hooks With Single Hooks

hook image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com

For many people, the difference between a treble hook and a single hook is simply that a treble has three hooks and a single, of course, has one. However, ask an angler the difference and the answer might be different. Fishing a treble hook instead of a single hook in some waters could mean a hefty fine. Practicing catch and release with a treble hook is much more difficult than with a single hook. For these reasons, as well as others, it might be necessary to change a treble hook to a single hook. This process typically takes only a few minutes and can be accomplished by most anglers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Plugs and Cranks

Things You’ll Need:

Single fish hooks
Wire cutters
Split-ring pliers
Split ring

Step 1

Locate the split ring that holds the treble hook to the attachment eye on the lure. There might be one or several hook attachment eyes on the lure depending on the design.

Step 2

Spread the split ring apart with a pair of split-ring pliers. Insert the jaws between the wires of the split ring, and spread them apart.

Step 3

Slide the eye of the treble hook over one end of the split ring wires. Work the treble hook around the split ring until it can be removed.

Step 4

Attach a single hook by once again spreading the split ring wires apart. Slide the eye of the single hook over one end of the wire, and work it around the split ring.

Step 5

Repeat the process for as many treble hooks as you want to replace with single hooks.

Inline Spinners and Lures Without Split Rings

Step 1

Locate the eye of the hook where it attaches to the lure wire. In this case, there will not be a split ring holding the hook in place. Instead, the main wire of the lure will be used to secure the hook.

Step 2

Cut the treble hook from the lure with wire cutters. Position the jaw tip of the wire cutters over the hook's eye. Remove the treble hook from the lure.

Step 3

Attach a split ring to the lure. Use a pair of split-ring pliers to spread the wires of the split ring apart. Secure the split ring to the wire where the eye of the treble hook was attached. Work the split ring around the wire until it is in place.

Step 4

Spread the split-ring wires once again, and install a single hook.

Tips & Warnings

A split ring allows for easy changing of hooks because of damage or wear. It also allows an angler to switch between dressed (feathers) and plain hooks.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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