Treble Hooks Vs. Single Hooks on Fishing Plugs

Treble Hooks

Treble hooks are the most common choice for anglers fishing with plugs. The treble hooks are much better for hooking fish. The hooks are barbed and will not come loose or slip from the jaw of the fish. Plugs with multiple treble hooks have the ability to hook a fish regardless of where it strikes the lure. The disadvantage of fishing with treble hooks is the potential for foul-hooking fish. When a fish makes a short strike or bump on the lure you can set the hook in the body of the fish. The multiple treble hooks can pierce various parts of the body and cause irreparable damage to the fish. This is not a point for concern if you plan on keeping the fish but catch-and-release anglers should consider the advantages of using single hooks.

Single Hooks

Single hooks are considered by some to be more reliable for hooking fish, but the hooks also cause less damage to the jaw of the fish. Single hooks with barbs have a high catch rate but barbless hooks can slip from the jaw during the fight. You should carry several plugs with single for catch-and-release fishing situations. Also carry plugs with single hooks for fishing waters with special regulations. Many rivers and lakes only allow one single hook on your lure. In this situation use a plug with the hook positioned at the rear of the plug. The majority of fish will chase the plug and strike from the back.

Action

The type of hooks on the plug have an effect on the action of the plug. Multiple treble hooks create noise and add flashy action to the plug. Single hooks do not make as much noise and reduce the amount of flash from the plug.The fish are accustomed to seeing plugs with multiple treble hooks and become weary after being caught and released. The single hooks give the lure a more natural appearance and reduce the risk of spooking the fish. On small plugs, replacing the treble hook with a single can affect the balance of the lure.