A lot of soft swimbaits use a single jig hook molded into the bait weight system. In the event of a run in with a rock or other hard cover the hooks do occasionally become damaged. A great thing to do is keep a high quality metal file in your boat or tackle bag. In the inevitable run in with your swimbait you can do a quick easy re-sharpening of your hook. The reason for the file over a sharpening stone is that you can get a much quicker sharper point back on your hook. To sharpen, hit each side first and then the top all with a forward motion.
Shown here on a Matt Lures Catfish swimbait. This method will get a very sharp edge back on your swimbait.
In the event of a hook bending or loosing its point completely here's what to do:
Cut off the jig hook and run either a piece of 80 Pound braid or wire back to a fresh treble hook. I do this on a lot of my new swimbaits as well - I feel that at times it can increase your hook up and landing ratio. The reason for this is that the hook is will become detached from the bait. This will give the fish less weight to throw the bait.
This Swimbait has the jig hook cut off and a size 1 3X Mustad Ultra Point has been added. I choose these hooks on my softbaits because of the strength and the straight points to increase hook up ratio.
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