Single hook rig

Got the hooks today that I was after.

Couldn't wait to go around the tackle shops so got some on line from www.diylures-flies.co.uk

The hooks are 'Eagle Claw Worm Hooks' and cost just £2.00 for a mixed bag of 10 in size 1/0 and 3/0.

Tested them out on one of my (many) frozen sprats from the freezer. Used the bigger of the two (size 3/0 I think) and took some photographs but the batteries died on my digital camera so you're going to have to wait until tomorrow before I can post the pictures.

First impressions seem good with everything staying in-line so presentation should in theory be ok.

It's a little harder than expected to get the hook into position but this may just be down to the fact that the sprat was frozen. May have better success with a thawed out one.

As always, for me anyhow, I crushed the barb. In my opinion it's better to risk having a fish come off the hook safe in the knowledge that when you do get one onto the bank, unhooking is quick and easy so as to minimise any stress on the fish and get it back in the water as soon as you can.

Well, I leave you for now and all being well can post the pictures for you all to see and comment on tomorrow.

Here you are then:

http://imgfreehost.com/out.php?i22551_DSCF0004.JPG
http://imgfreehost.com/out.php?i22552_DSCF0005.JPG
http://imgfreehost.com/out.php?i22553_DSCF0006.JPG
http://imgfreehost.com/out.php?i22554_DSCF0007.JPG
http://imgfreehost.com/out.php?t22555_DSCF0009.JPG

Sorry for the quality of the pics. I don't know when I will get to test this out, but if anybody wants to give it a go before I get chance then feel free to do so.

Please feel free to comment.

Looks ideal. I fancy some of them for a wobbling rig. I just wonder if the barb is a little masked, although sprats are fairly soft. I guess it's a case of trying them out. A good strike should set the hook...I think. Let us know how you get on.

Have a look at this article about single hook rigs

http://www.mickbrownangling.com/2007PIKERIGS.html

Andy

Surely 1/0/and 3/0 are a bit big for pike. I have read that big hooks can kill pike as there heart is near the back of the throat.

Any one know if this true?

Mick

That's perch mate.

Andy (Webster),

Just read the link to Mick Browning website and have to say that the 2 hook rig he uses is the same as I use.

Now, before anybody says that I've just copied the rig, I have been using that rig for over a year now but have only just read about anybody else using it. I have recently read about other people using 1 single on small baits, but not the two hook approach. I don't know why other people aren't converting over to single hook rigs, it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much easier to unhook pike using a single.

Just about every other fisherman who has seen my rig has said that it'll never work but when I explain to people that it does work and I have landed just as many fish as I have using trebles they seem to sulk away, never to be seen again.

I was thinking of using just one single every time I fish but having read Mr. Browning's article may well just use that particular method on deadbaits up to 4"-5". Over this size then the 2 hook method will be used.

Still haven't managed to get out and use my 1 single hook rig due to work and family commitments. I was going to try it out this weekend but our lass has mentioned something about my eldest lad moving into our bedroom along with his little bro, our daughter moving into his old bedroom and us moving into her old bedroom. And I found out today that I got to go to hospital on Saturday afternoon for a very minor procedure. It involves a camera and some lube but that's all I'm saying
*UPDATE* It's just for a consultation this time. Phew

If anybody else can get out there and try it before I do then feel free to let us all know the results.

Lefty wrote:Andy (Webster),

Just read the link to Mick Browning website and have to say that the 2 hook rig he uses is the same as I use.

Now, before anybody says that I've just copied the rig, I have been using that rig for over a year now but have only just read about anybody else using it. I have recently read about other people using 1 single on small baits, but not the two hook approach. I don't know why other people aren't converting over to single hook rigs, it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much easier to unhook pike using a single.

Just about every other fisherman who has seen my rig has said that it'll never work but when I explain to people that it does work and I have landed just as many fish as I have using trebles they seem to sulk away, never to be seen again.

I was thinking of using just one single every time I fish but having read Mr. Browning's article may well just use that particular method on deadbaits up to 4"-5". Over this size then the 2 hook method will be used.

Still haven't managed to get out and use my 1 single hook rig due to work and family commitments. I was going to try it out this weekend but our lass has mentioned something about my eldest lad moving into our bedroom along with his little bro, our daughter moving into his old bedroom and us moving into her old bedroom. And I found out today that I got to go to hospital on Saturday afternoon for a very minor procedure. It involves a camera and some lube but that's all I'm saying
*UPDATE* It's just for a consultation this time. Phew

If anybody else can get out there and try it before I do then feel free to let us all know the results.

used singles a lot over the years, and im happy with them on prolific waters where im not to bothered if a few fall off, now when i fish other places where it may be a case of four or five fish a season would be a result im inclined to stick to trebles.

other than that ill use singles for a hair rig with a long distance set up i use (with the right bait 120-130 metres is doable), and for wobbling and float trolling but in combination with trebles dependant on bait size

Have the pictures been removed?? I've sent a link to this thread to AnglersNet. Leon Roskilly has started a thread on single circle hooks and I'm sure this thread is relevant to the discussion.

For some reason the servimg hosting website no longer has my pics and won't upload them again. My browser keeps saying connection reset.

I've hosted them at another site and added links where the original photos were embedded in my entry.

My apologies peeps

Hoping to get out on the Torne this weekend to test the single rig out.

I'll keep everybody informed.

Tried it out yesterday.

Got two nibbles where I failed to hookup and one dropped run

First impressions are disappointing. I think maybe because the shank of the hook runs along the side of the baitfish that the pike can see or feel it which results in him/her spitting it back out.

Must admit though, it was hard work yesterday. All that rain Saturday night won't have helped. Levels were up with the water flowing more than usual. Fair bit of debris floating down too.

I'll persevere and try a couple more times before coming to any concrete conclusions and let everybody know the outcome. Till then, tight lines everybody.