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Forum nameTackle and Boats
Topic subjectRE: Slammer hook replacement?
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=3066&mesg_id=3067
3067, RE: Slammer hook replacement?
Posted by swimbait, Mon Dec-18-06 11:19 AM
If you use a heavier hook like the 2x Owners you may notice that the bait will sit a little bit lower in the water and not have as much kick in the tail. Whether that's acceptable to you will probably come down to your confidence level in the lure.

For example, I have some Slammers that I put heavy hooks on and they still "look right" so I fish them like that. I have a 9" bait made from a heavy piece of wood that really sinks down deep. It works perfectly with 4x hooks and it gets bit like this no problem. I use it for striper fishing in the surf where heavy hooks are a must. I have other ones that don't "look right" to me when I put heavy hooks on them. My favorite 9" is like this - it just doesn't have the right mojo with owner hooks of any strength rating so I only use 2/0 gamakatsu on that one. Maybe it would still get bit with heavy hooks but my confidence is shot when I look at how it moves with heavy hooks, so I don't use them.

I hate to give a vague answer like this but each Slammer is unique in the way they move, the cut of the wood, the weight of the wood, etc. It really helps to just do a little experimentation over time and find what works best for your individual lures. That probably sounds a bit crazy but a Slammer lasts a long time so you'll have plenty of opportunity to tinker over time. Some of my best baits are about 7 years old now :) When fish one bait long enough you'll know exactly when it's swimming right.