SINGLE VS. TREBLE HOOKS FOR TROUT 

Have you ever dropped a lure with 2 or 3 treble hooks on carpet? Lol.

I use your single hook and crimp the barbs. Went out with my wife a few weeks back and she did not crimp and caught 25 trout, and landed all. I landed 21 and lost 10 with the crimped barb. I usually flyfish except when I use my flycraft drift boat, then I use your gear exclusively. Out of all 46 trout only one left my hands with blood. I am so pleased you presented this alternative. I live in Maine as well. Keep up the good work.

I've been looking for single hook spoons and spinners for years, often converting the trebles to singles and crimping down the barb. Thank you for showing the community the differences. Cheers!

I like the single hooks. Good hookups and easy releases.

Awesome video man! I’m new to trout fishing and I have been hearing about switching to single hook siwash on my spinners. This video proved without a doubt that I need to switch to single hook mostly. I fish very small creeks in Michigan so setting hooks in cramped locations might be difficult tho.

Nice , I just switched out to single hooks on my spinners. I was having some excessive damage from treble hooks and want to see how I do with the singles.

Good stuff! Now I have a place to go to purchase single hook lures/spinners. We have a "delayed harvest" season here in NC and single hook only are allowed, and finding a single hook at Bass Pro locally here is a chore. You'll be my new supplier of single hooks. So glad I found you here.

Went trout fishing last week using inlines I make for smallmouth. I didn't realize how much more delicate a trout's mouth is and won't be using trebles any more, maybe even for smallies. Great video. Sub earned.

Nice video, I’m fairly new to trout fishing and have been using spinners with trebles. I’ve recently been thinking of converting my trebles to single hooks because of possible damage I’m causing to the fish if I’m releasing. I decided to give some of your spinners a try, I’m anxious to try the golden shiner and the gold shart.

After stumbling upon your videos la and t year around july I started switching out my danielson spoons and crankbaits to single hooks and noticed a big difference when CNR fishing.

I've decided to grind down the barbs on my treble hooks when I do decide to spin cast. I normally fly fish and actually tie my own flies. The hooks I tie my flies with have smaller barbs and every fish I've caught fly fishing I am able to easily release however when I go spin casting I grind down my treble hooks because almost every time I hook a fish on a treble, it'll be pretty messed up. Single hooks are usually fine as long as I set the hook early enough so it doesn't get swallowed. I would recommend at least reducing the size of treble hook barbs because it's already pretty hard to lose a fish on a treble hook and treble hooks usually always mess up the fish that your catching. Good video and very informative!

Great video explaining Pros N Cons! Keep it up. Going to your site now to get me some single hook spoons!

I’ve been converting my lure to inline replacement hook. Next are my spinners. Thanks for being an advocate for single hooks.

I agree with you here. I swap all of my spinners and baits with single hooks. Much easier to release the fish and it's much easier in them. I cringe when I go to release a trout that has crushed a spinner with a treble hook on it. Its usually two hooks up top and the other in the bottom.

Another great video! I also use single hooks only. Easier releases, far less snags, and far less damage to the fish. Many times I'll use barbless hooks too. In saltwater however, I will use the bigger lures with their built-in treble hooks.

Hi, nice video. Thanks. If you use two inline hooks on a lure do you have a preference whether the hook is fitted with the point up or down. At the beginning of your video the minnow looked like one was up and one was down, so facing each other.

I was skeptical at first, now im going to go try this single hook idea. real good video, thx

I diffinately agree with you. After 20 yr of fishing, I switch from trouble to single hook a decade ago

I must admit, this video made me buy my first single hook spinners. It's an eye opener for sure

This popped up on my recommended videos. Great video. Two things I want to add: 1) Since converting to single hooks I have not had a single bass straighten out my hook(s). 2) Chemo gave me neuropathy (numb tingly hands & feet). Unhooking fish is WAY easier for me and knot tying is worlds safer.

Absolutely perfect video, thx

i switched to single hooks almost 40 yrs ago . My long time fishing partner still uses trebles . I actually outfish him and i do not lose many fish .Generally use a #6 baitholder as i dress with a worm. From speckles to lakers to bass to walleye . works on them all.

Thanks for the advice ... changing to single hooks ...

I’d like to switch my spoons to single hook for the upcoming hard water season. We can’t use baited trebs here in NH through the ice when jigging. What brand and style do you recommend? Thanks

Colin, I have subscribed to your channel for just a short time and have learned soooo much and I thank you. Although a nation away from Maine I live in the peoples republic of California. Your fishing philosophy of spinner system and fly fishing equipment is something I never even thought of until viewing your channel. Do you think the Daiwa Arid X or Shimano Sellus 7’ rods is a good value also I’m looking at the Daiwa Revros 2500 or the Shimano Sedona FI. Your recommendation of JT Panhandler is a little to rich for me as a beginner with spinning gear. So that is the reason for the question of rods and reels for under $100 each. Thank you

All Day Bro !!!

After maiming several trout in 3 days and 1 bass death I'm never using trebles again unless barbs flattened. Even then only until I get the supplies to remove the trebles. Its just to hard to remove a 3 prong deep throat hook attach at 3 points all while fighting barbs. Also not convinced trebles hold a fish better as I lost 2 trout yesterday that either would be personal best.

fantastic video. taking my trebles off for sure.

I've been replacing the trebles on my Rapala's with siwash hooks for years.

I just used single hook barbless and treble hook barbless. I lost more fish on the treble. And the ease of release on the single barbless makes it quick and easy. Will be placing a order today

I would love to try your lures here in Chile is a little complicated buy single hooks lures, and even complicated buy the single hooks that works right

Hello, I like your video. I too like single hook. I am a catch and release guy so a single hook would be my chose. I like fishing trout. Do you have any barbless single hooks for lures like Kastmaster? Thanks

I never started losing fish until I tried the inline eye style replacements (made for crankbaits). I lost MANY fish on that style of hook across different types of lures. I stopped using those and switched to the Siwash style. I lose very few fish when rigged with a single Siwash on crankbaits, spoons or spinners. Single hooks are much safer for the fisherman, in my opinion. A trout thrashing in a net wields a treble hook like a weapon....

I bought Kirby hooks they were the only hooks I could find with a big enough eye (there was no siwash hooks in stock) Will these work with a spinner or a spoon or should I order siwash?

I agree with you,having said that this is what i been taught back home at Europe, treble hooks are only for northern poke,musky, wells catfish and big game in particular, single hooks are for white fish,common carp, trout,walleye and so on.I been fishing from late 70's and to me was a strange thing when i moved to Alberta,Canada seeing ppl fishing with treble hooks species you can easly catch with a rright size single hook.Would like to try some of your lures.Keep up the good job and kerp cool videos coming. 🎣🛶🍻🍻

I was one of the commentors that asked you about the single's vs trebles in a previous video. After killing a couple trout on some spinning setups last year with trebles I bought replacement single hooks. I plan to change all of the treble hooks out this winter for single hooks. Sounds like I need to look at the Siwash hooks. Do I need to be concerned about size on the hooks to keep my spinners swimming correctly?

I have been making jewelry for years and also love fishing. I HATE mangling the fish when releasing and so had a great idea....why not change all my hooks myself?? Simple and so effective. I've found really no difference in setting the hooks with singles, although I'm careful pulling them in as they can more easily get off if you give them slack or pulling out of the water. I just love how easy they are to 'unhook' when you get them in:) Also, for storing and yes, accidentally dropping on carpet or other textured surfaces, trebles SUCK!! I do still use them occasionally trolling for midsize fish, as they aren't completely useless;)

I've learned tto remove the trebles and replace them with VMC Siwash single hooks with open eyes. It is extremely easy to pinch the factory open eyes onto your lures, making for a better purchase of the hook and more efficient releases of fish.

ice fishing splake has been tricky , especially when they love spoons. im watching these trout use the ice to remove the hook, single hook has been better , but im going to try the spoon with single hook now

I just ordered a bunch of these and put them on my spoons, cranks and jerkbaits. I think it will be much better for pike, pickerel and bass too. not just the trout and salmon. I've fatality hooked big bass and pickerel with trebles before and felt really shitty about it.

Great video.

What type and size of single hook should I replace my treble hooks on spoons for trout? NY smaller streams and rivers, rainbow, brown, and brook trout - typical fish is 14"-20".

I used a treble hook spinner when I was fishing for brook trout and I caught a poor fish that had all three hook points in his mouth... I eventually got it out but I felt so bad for the little guy. I’m thinking about switching them out for single hooks

I swapped out all trebles for singles on my spin fishing rig and I cannot complain about anything. I can only say, releasing fish is much easier on them and me as I'm not ripping half a jaw off removing a hook as I had done with trebles. I'm mostly catch and release however I'll grill a trout streamside now and again. Typically when the poor bastard was mangled from the fight. it wouldn't make it so might as well cook it!

Can you mention a few good single hooks for spoons? Difficult to find hooks with large enough eyes for splitrings.

I agree with you but I eat all the trout I get and I lost my trouble hook so I used the other one and I felt like I was losing more fish on that one because the trouble hook doesn’t come out so it is easy to land

Single hooks all the way! 🤘🎣

Single barbless every time 👌🏻

What size inline hook can you recommend on a 50mm/5g sinking minnow? Thank you! I would like to replace my treble hook. I think it is size 12 treble hook.

I once missed a hook set with a treble and once I reeled back my lure there was half the jaw of a trout on the treble.

I fish in Az always trout. Always wished my favori tdd e lures like panther Martin and roosrer tail made their lures with a single hook option.

Single hooks for me exclusively now. I fish bass and Musky. Selling all my musky rubber lures. I don't think the inline single hooks would work on those..

Good Comprehensive Test ...

I love single hooks

What size do you generally use?

I like treble hooks if youre keeping the fish, i feel i lose them less easily. But i must admit its a compelling argument for using singles especially if releasing fish. Both can work for landing them

are you at Algonquin ??? seems like it ?

What rod/reel setup was used in this?

Why do people prefer to use NON-BARBED hooks on lures like that spoon like I see no big diffrence other people say that it can harm the fish but I still dont understand it can you make a vidio about it?

Thank you for making a video of the simple truth responsible anglers needs to know. IGFA trophy rules state that all fish must be hooked inside the mouth to be consider a legal catch. The more important fact is so do most all state regulations have the same requirements for keeping fish caught or applying for citation awards. That said; I know from using single hooks on all kinds of lures they work. If someone disputes the fact they never used them. I use them on deep diving crankbaits, minnow baits and lipless crankbaits, spoons and spinners. They have important attributes that alone make them a better choice for all anglers. Two are releasing fish with less injures, releasing fish with less injuries to the angler. Single hooks hold fish better and few if any shake free. False hooking fish is vastly reduced and seldom happens using single hook lures. The reasoning that you don’t or can’t catch as many fish has no merit for anyone who is a sport angler. If you are fishing for sport and releasing fish, you should think of the resource first. The fewer fish injured and die from sport fishing makes it better for everyone, most of all for the fish. If you blame using single hooks on failure to catch fish makes no sense and is comical. Big example; Bass fishing, all bass lures use single hooks with only a few exceptions. Crankbaits being the largest one. The idea of buying a lure and changing hooks is foolish thinking that makes no sense unless you are selling hooks. In the places that most lures are made today, the same lures are sold without hooks and the buyer buys the hooks they want to use. Fitting the hook to the lures purpose is smart thinking. I certainly do not need a salmon hook on my trout spoon. I want a light thin barbless hook that will bend free and save my $6-dollar spoon from breaking off on light line. I can buy 50 new hooks for $6-dollars and to me that makes sense. My cute little spoon is still good as new. There is an old rule of thumb. The hook wire diameter should be no larger than the line diameter. This idea makes sense still today. Single hooks are plain and simple better and I knew that long before this video. Great Video.

What about the size of the hooks used for trout...particularly for rainbows which have smaller mouths in comparison to their bodies? I do not want to eye hook smaller fish, for instance. I also do not want to penetrate the maxilla with a barbed hook, since hook removal can easily result in it torn out out. The manufacturers of Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail spinners feature barbed treble hooks. I pinch all of those treble hook barbs flat and it seems to make releasing fish easier and more humane. Changing out the trebles for single hooks is not easy regarding spinners, since they generally do not use split rings. I recently purchased some new spinners from Mepps which have single hooks. I am anxious to try them out. I use a dental appliance pliers with one conical jaw and one flat non-serrated jaw to de-barb my hooks. The dental pliers does not weaken the hooks at all. I am interested in using small enough hooks that result in an excellent purchase, consistent landing, and minimal damage to the trout. Does hook design and size have an undesirable affect on spinners and how they track, for example? As spoons wobble through the water, what is the smallest single hook size that optimizes catching and releasing stream trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow) humanely? I have noted that over-size hooks for trout fishing seem to induce significant injury and that unhooking barbed trebles often results in rougher fish handling. I've observed trout anglers who do not use a net and who use size 4 trebles on their spinners, for example, while trout fishing in streams and small rivers, frequently appear to harshly squeeze fish during the release. Additionally, I've seen many do this with dry hands. The fish swim off, but I wonder what the survival rate is. I've witnessed fishers who have kept the landed trout out of the water a minute or two having beached or dropped the fish struggling to remove a treble lure and release the trout. Surely this practice involves a death rate. So I welcome any lure which catches trout, makes hook removal easy and with other caring practices will make for safe return to the water when the angler wants to release fish. Thanks so much for your video and interest in alternatives to treble hooks.

Do you ever use/sell a dressed single hook.

I quit fishing treble hooks altogether one time I was fishing and I caught a baby crappie and the front hook of the lure snagged it through the brain and It seemed ok but then I took the hook out and it only could move one side of it's body nad I released it and it could only swim upside down and move one side I felt pretty bad.

Yeeeeow!

I like trebles for ice fishing dead sets or tip ups

I cannot comment of the hookup rate, but I have never lost a fish on a single hook once the hook was set. I have lost many on trebles.

I always catch and cook

IF switching out treble hooks for single hooks on spinners and spoons how do you determine the correct single hook size?

Maybe I just got lucky but with the treble hooks I catch a ton more fish (mostly trout) than with the single hooks. It seems obvious why when I catch them. The hooks are in multiple parts of their mouth and they can't easily "slide out" like with the single hook. My ex's father, an experienced fisherman, literally called it "cheating" lol.

I use treble specifically for powerbait when fishing stocked lakes and I keep the fish I catch when using treble hooks. When I am not using power bait or other dough baits there is no reason to use treblehooks.

The most trout I ever caught in Colorado was on a single hook rooster tail.

I hate even watching you fish with treble hooks the way the fish is all mangled because of that thing. really glad people thought of this, I wish we thought of it sooner.

I 'always' replace the treble hooks on my lures with singles. It's just so much easier to get the landed fish off the hook and you have far fewer snags.

I recently switched to all single hooks, they work so much better and they don’t snap up on everything!! Wish they would sell lures with them but 99% of them always have treble hooks

Single hook all the way! On every lure i fish for trout. I rather lose some fish instead of injure the small ones. I release like 95% of the fish i caught anyways. The disadvantages from using a treble clearly surpass over the single hook.. Every serious trout fisherman should use them. Sorry for the not perfect english..

Treble hooks are for people who can't fish. During the white bass spawn I catch 3 to 4 more fish then people fishing treble hooks. I also fish barbless hooks. It is because I can release the fish dar faster.

I have a friend that flattens the barb on the treble hook.

treble hooks are brutal.

Where is this btw?

I use a single hooks and I tip it off with a tiny grub on the back of my spinners !!!!!,

I hate when they eat all three trebles so I always use singles. If it’s a small one good luck getting that out without wrecking it’s jaw. Single hooks are no question the way to go if you can afford to change them.

Lost a 45"+ musky yesterday because the stupid treble hook on the spoon got caught in the outside of the net and it twisted pulled the hook out of the mouth and left the treble stuck in the net. Wont happen again.

So far. I find I catch just as many with single hooks and I get less snags

Been using single hooks for over 10 yrs, way less damage for catch and release and no more hooks caught in the net so you can release the fish quicker

I hate trebles for trout , but are grate for pike and bass

if a fish is bleeding.. like dripping blood just end them even tho you dont gonna eat them :)

Our lakes are no release. Treble for me

It is quite easy for an angler to accidently damage himself with a barbed treble hook. Usually the victim survives but is often unhappy.

I hate trembles. I hooked myself a while ago and I will never use them again. Single hooks for life.

forget the haters, I think there are enough of us to want the single hooks to make you successful. I hate treble hooks. always prick myself and the fish don't like them, they told me. I don't think they help get the hook out, I think they help destroy the fish. single hooks is the only way to go.

Yeah, here in california, the trout will spit out treble hook and I cut them off my trout lures. I'll lose 15 to 20 fish for every one I get. what is with all you guys, you throw fish back that are gonna die? I don't get that. You don't eat fish? If you screw up their slime layer they die too You should never grab a trout that you are gonna release. If blood is pouring out of the fish it's gonna die...some trout whisperer.

I hate treble hooks. Even for keeping fish it's a pain in the ass, and you so lose so many trebles inside stomachs that you are constantly replacing them. Single you just unhook and keep using the same rig.

this completely justifies going with single hooks and dropping all of your treble hooks.

You need to ask them if they Pan Fish? U Do Really D'oh! then how do you explain fishing grubs, meal worms, etc for say Crappie you typically use a single. So THINK PEOPLE!

Treble hooks are for losers, plain and simple.

The "selling" of the single hook during the catches was pretty annoying. Let the results speak for themselves

I hate the way you take the gosh off the hook