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Forum nameTrophy Fishing Forum
Topic subjectTop Hook Pro-Rig, the dream
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=11210&mesg_id=11210
11210, Top Hook Pro-Rig, the dream
Posted by swimbait, Mon Mar-16-09 03:12 PM
Top Hook Pro-Rig, the dream

This is a 10lb bass jumping after being hooked on a texas rig bait with an un-pegged weight. You can see the weight (circled in red). This fish made it to the net despite doing a huge jump.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/7292-jump.jpg

Long time ago a dude named Chris Johnson one of the more brilliant swimbait rigging methods on the Osprey, the so-called 'Pro-Rig'. I assume most know what this is. If not, the idea is that when the bass is hooked, the treble hook on the belly of the bait comes free of the plastic, allowing the lure to slide up the line.

This saves your lure, but more important it takes the weight of the lure away from the bass' mouth. So the bass can't spit it so easy. Well I've still never caught a fish on an Osprey to this day, but the hook idea has had me thinking for a long time.

The hook setup I want is similar but would work with a single, straight shank hook that is mounted on the TOP of the lure. Most of you guys know I'm a big fan of the Big Hammer swimbait. I'm also a big fan of landing my bites. As you get in to spring and summer time with bass that are frisky and want to jump, you start to lose more of your Big Hammer bites, especially the big ones that jump and shake their head. I've tried a dozen different ways to help this problem, and some work, but none are 'just right'.

I've trolled this hook idea past a few people over the years and never been able to come away with what I wanted. So let me open it up to you and see what you think. Someone out there can figure out the right hook. Here's a few ideas to get started...

Leadhead only with barbs. I've made this rig and it only sort of works. The problem is that the head doesn't stay attached well after you cast a few times. This is my best idea but needs improvement.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/7289-barb_head.jpg

Treble addon. If it was molded in, it could work. Never made it. Finding the right hook (small enough but strong) would be hard. Sort of a single-use bait.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/7290-treble_addon.jpg

The internal weedless hook with slotted internal leadhead. It's not detachable, but distributes the weight well. Havne't made this one either. Waiting for some manufacturer to come up with this one.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/7291-hook1.jpg

Your ideas welcome