I've experimented quite a bit with different hooks and how many. If you're going to take any off I'd recommend the front hook. Most of the fish I've gotten have been on the middle or tail hook. When I first started fishing them I took the center hook off thinking they'd either strike the head or tail but I think I missed a few fish because of it.

I searched high and low for the perfect hook and found it but it's not available in the U.S. (VMC 9651 PS). It is available in Bronze and Nickel but those will rust - Perma Steel is the way to go. The next best hook is the VMC 9623 PS. They can be special ordered through Stamina Quality Components (http://www.staminainc.com/). Size 4 works best on the smaller fast trac and size 2 for the large one.

In my VMC catalog they show a VMC 9655 PS hook which looks alot like the 9651 but is 2X strong. I haven't tried these yet but I have found that the thicker trebles (more than 1X strong) impede the action of minnow baits.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.