Ballyhoo - - - moving hook farther back

[auguste]

Finnseeker

The info put forward by Finnseeker is good for catch and release and just about everyone here uses circle hooks when billfish fishing

Maybe it was not clear at the start but we are addressing a short bite issue we face when tuna fishing . . . this thread is a follow-up from 3 other threads . . . so maybe you missed that . . . we mostly want to keep the tuna . . . but that is not a problem

Problem is that in the three cases you presented the hook is on the head of the bait so that technique can not be used with Islanders and sea witches, our main approach for fishing tuna

Do you have an option where a circle hook can be placed near the rear of the bait?

[Finnseeker]

auguste - 3/29/2007 5:11 AM



Finnseeker

The info put forward by Finnseeker is good for catch and release and just about everyone here uses circle hooks when billfish fishing

Maybe it was not clear at the start but we are addressing a short bite issue we face when tuna fishing . . . this thread is a follow-up from 3 other threads . . . so maybe you missed that . . . we mostly want to keep the tuna . . . but that is not a problem

Problem is that in the three cases you presented the hook is on the head of the bait so that technique can not be used with Islanders and sea witches, our main approach for fishing tuna

Do you have an option where a circle hook can be placed near the rear of the bait?

Auguste,

Correct I had not seen all the other threads at all.

Circle hooks as you know were specifically designed for tuna. Futhermore yes the illustrations I presented were all in the head and been successful for myself billfishing, tuna etc. Below you will find some information and methods for you on tuna and tuna rigging that works for short bite problems.

I use a extra long shank Owner hook # 5192 and the hook sits right back and in some cases past the anus. ( depending on the size of your ballhoo) I have attached a picture for you to see.)
Sea Witches, Jap Feathers, Tuna Clones or Islanders can be modified by drilling out the inside hole so that they can be slide right down over the top leader eye wrap. I drill these lures to 1/8”. This gives you much greater latitude in your rigging. The other tip is the speed will result in getting short bit. I do not know your spread or how you running these, so many variables that with a little more info I could suggest some positions to try and variations for a better bite. Im running 6-9 depending on sea conditions and lure type or spread.
Ballyhoo variation for tuna: ( use the longer shank hooks as well not like the illustration)
Ballyhoo Variation
A: Instead of forming a snap after completing the haywire, twist off the tag end. Add a 12-inch length of 20-pound-test Monel wire to the hook.
B: Use a sharp knife to slice down the ballyhoo’s backbone, breaking it up in the process.
C: Insert both hooks into the groove you’ve just carved into the back of the ballyhoo. Make sure both hooks are firmly imbedded and do not bind the bait.
D: Secure the ballyhoo by running the soft wire through its eyes and then firmly wrapping it down around the hook shank and bait’s head. (Note: hook shank and leader must be centered on the top of the bait’s head). Complete the job by taking a few tight wraps around the main leader.

[Finnseeker]

auguste - 3/29/2007 5:11 AM



Finnseeker

The info put forward by Finnseeker is good for catch and release and just about everyone here uses circle hooks when billfish fishing

Maybe it was not clear at the start but we are addressing a short bite issue we face when tuna fishing . . . this thread is a follow-up from 3 other threads . . . so maybe you missed that . . . we mostly want to keep the tuna . . . but that is not a problem

Problem is that in the three cases you presented the hook is on the head of the bait so that technique can not be used with Islanders and sea witches, our main approach for fishing tuna

Do you have an option where a circle hook can be placed near the rear of the bait?

Auguste:

No I do not have an option for a circle hook placed near the rear as this needs to be free to be able to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and hooks are required to be embedded if fishing IGFA rules and tournaments. There are some options that have the circle hook aft and free swinging but I would rather not state.

[prokat26]

I have an easy way to rig ballyhoo. I was shown by some lure rep. You haywire to a 100 pound snap swivel making your normal spike to drive through the head of the ballyhoo. You can use copper wire or better are the head spring things that you twist over the head locking the head to the spike. At the other end of the snap, you attach your hook. You can either let it hang on the outside or poke it throuhg the anus and out the midsection. When I am using skirts, I never insert it through the anus. this rig pulls directly from the head and they usually track strait and it leaves the hook farther back.

[Hooked Up]

Prokat, can you post a picture of the rig?? sounds interesting and easy to rig.

[Reel Obsession]

Finnseeker

There was an article in a local newspaper last weekend that said the Fed's were going to postpone the circle hook requirement until 2008, have your heard the same thing?

[weed.line]

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/new...0Locations.pdf

[Finnseeker]

Reel Obsession - 4/1/2007 2:48 PM

Finnseeker

There was an article in a local newspaper last weekend that said the Fed's were going to postpone the circle hook requirement until 2008, have your heard the same thing?

Yes , weedline has copied you the link in his post

[leftcoast]

I use nothing but circle hooks for trolling bally as well as bottom grouper/snapper fishing.
Fish for the future.