Should i change hook?

pucky · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:53 pm Post subject: Should i change hook?

yesterday i had 3 consecutive grouper hits but 0 hookups in the same exact spot. i think it was all the same fish.

here's my rig from reel to hook:
80lb Power Pro
125lb mono shock leader
Balloon float (~12-14ft above hook)
1.5oz weight
size 1 swivel
~2.5ft 125lb mono leader.
10/0 or 8/0 Gamakatsu Octopus Hook

after the first hit, and the hook pulled from the mouth (i was using a 10/0) i switched to an 8/0 thinking that would guarantee the hookup. 2 more hits and no hookups.

should i switch to circle hooks or did i just have some bad luck with hookups? only ever used them once on a charter boat and couldnt get used to not setting the hook.

pierfish · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:09 pm Post subject:

I prefer the free line method but my favorite hook is the 8/0 live bait Owner hook, they are ultra sharp and since I have been using them hookups arn't a problem at all. I had to order them from Amazon because they are hard to find in stores. Try the freeline technique and use the hook mentioned and I guearantee you will hook up. We should meet up and grouper fish together. I have only met a handful of you guys. I will be out this weekend. When did you go?

pucky · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:48 pm Post subject:

thanks man!

im about to head out to southeastern and see what they might say. i tried owner hooks once and they definately made a difference compared to the eupros i was using.

it was also the 2nd time i ever used a balloon and weight. i usually do freeline. but having the balloon on was key yesterday in getting the bait back in the same spot.

i try to follow the solunar table so i went out there yesterday at about 5pm till about 11pm. those 3 hits i had yesterday were all right as the sun was going down and all within 15min. then it shutdown for the rest of the night.

i'll most likely be out there this weekend. ill let you know!

reelscreamer · Rookie Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 20

Pierfish, when you say freeline...that means no weight or balloon right? Just the leader and hook?

pierfish · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:47 am Post subject:

That is correct, I use 80 to 100lb flouro attached to a 8/0 live bait Owner hook. I use the advanced albright knot to connect the main line and the leader.

reelscreamer · Rookie Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 20

How can you assure the bait will go to the bottom? Especially, with a strong tide.

Chris · Pro Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 36 Location: Germany

Use a Pin fish, they always tend to swim downwards

pierfish · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:29 pm Post subject:

Hook them under the anal fin, this will make them swim downward.

pierfish · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 6:34 pm Post subject:

Where are you at Chris?

kingfisher · Rookie Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 17

In the smaller sizes I gerally use Gammagatsu's but for Yellas (Seriola sp.) Amberjacks & Sampsons,which all turn up in Sydney in summer,the Owner Live Bait hooks are the strongest.I also stopped using Mustad 'Big Gun' hooks because they sometimes open under heavy pressure.

SLEEPY · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:50 pm Post subject:

You dont' want the bait right on the bottom. the Pinfish is going to swim towards, through and over the rock piles. By freelining the pinfish, you have a chance to get the grouper out of the rocks when he comes out and slams you bait. Also you can hook up those grouper that stay out about 200 + yards......

Pucky I have noticed also int he last few weeks, several hard hits, only to not have a hook up,, using the same Gama 10/0 octopus hooks... I have never had a problem with these hooks in the past but went through the same thing on the last trip, got smacked about 7 or 8 times diff locations... but no hookups.... I am gonna try the owner hooks also,,, I carry gama & owner. I have tried the circle hooks for grouper at the pier... not fun at all... it's even difficult on the boat..
_________________
Jason

A.K.A (SLEEPY)