®
Spring 2022
page 38
then an EWG excels. If the lure has a long slender body shape like a jerkbait, I adorn it with EWG trebles.
I do NOT use them typically on fat surface plugs, or on other reaction baits that are nipped instead of engulfed like when bass are protecting a nest.
Having more gap between the hook point and eye is important in these cases, and a round bend style works better.
Round bend treble hooks sport a wider gap between the point and the eye, which allows the point to stick a bass more easily upon initial contact. Since the point is not in line with the eye (like the EWG style), more energy is necessary to get the barb to fully penetrate.
In the old days penetration was a big drawback of the round bend, but today’s sharper points, slick nano-coatings, and smaller diameter wire overcomes the less-efficient round bend design.
There are basically two shapes of round bends available.
The traditional round bend is the most common, and manufacturers install these less-expensive models at the factory.
While suitable for everyday use, a tournament angler or trophy angler would benefit from the more modern version such as the Gamakatsu G-Finesse treble series. Essentially these use the O’Shaughnessy bend for each tine of the treble. Not only does this make penetration easier and stronger, but most importantly it does a much better job keeping the bass pinned than a traditional round bend.
As the name implies, the G-Finesse trebles are smaller diameter (but stronger) tournament grade wire. This makes each hook lighter than its corresponding size traditional round bend. Consequently, you can upsize the hook for a
Shad Sharp
better bite without affecting the action of the lure. If you are like me, and
you want to land big bass, but realize
some of your favorite lures have small
hook sizes that make you cringe every
time you hook up, this hook fixes that
problem.
Many of my favorite crankbaits
and jerkbaits use a #4 treble, and I can
usually swap these out for the larger #3
or even a #2 without hurting the lure’s
action. Its short shank keeps the hooks
from tangling with each other during the
cast and retrieve despite the larger size.
Most all topwater lures seem to
land more bass when equipped with
G-Finesse trebles, and I usually pick the
Medium Heavy (MH) version for larger
topwaters and swimbaits.
If I could only buy one style treble
for all uses it would be the G-Finesse
trebles.
While fighting a bass it is not
uncommon for both hooks to eventually
stick the bass during the fight,
decreasing its ability to shake free. This
style in the correct size works with all
scenarios and lures that use trebles.
For toothy or larger fish, or brackish water, there is also
the Treble SP Medium Heavy Hypershield which is stronger,
maintains its sharp point longer, and is corrosion resistant.
This is the ticket for catching stripers, peacock bass,
muskellunge, and even calico bass.
Forty years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to use crankbaits
and topwater primarily to find active bass, then switch to
single-hook methods that worked better to land bass. Due
to premium treble hooks now available, these same lures
win tournaments.
My personal best largemouth over 14 pounds was
caught on a topwater with round bend trebles, a 5-bass
limit of Alabama Spotted Bass from Lake Perris, CA
weighing 28 pounds 14 ounces on EWG trebles, several 10+
pound largemouths on crankbaits with EWG trebles, many
tournament wins, and several 7+ pound smallmouth bass
with Lucky Craft jerkbaits sporting both EWG trebles and
G-Finesse trebles.
When installing premium treble hooks, be sure to use
split ring pliers or your hands will become pin cushions.
Make sure you install trebles with the belly hook
oriented with the two prongs against the belly and the third
sticking down from the belly.
Install the tail hook with one barb straight up so it
catches the bass in the upper jaw. You would be surprised
how many reaction baits are assembled at the factory with
the hooks in the wrong position.
Use what I have learned to shorten your learning curve.
Knowing treble hooks can prevent those moments that
cause a sinking feeling in your gut because you used the
wrong hook on your reaction baits. Ciao! •