Hey guys im just wanting to here everyone's opinion on trailer hooks for Spinnerbaits, like always use them, never use them , only use them in certain situations(which would be??), and if i use a trailer for like a chatterbait on my spinner is a trailer hook to much?

I would say always use one on spinnerbaits. Make sure you get a hook that is actually designed to be a trailer hook though. It's kind of hard to get a normal hook eye over the barb of the spinnerbait hook. I like to use red trailer hooks. Kind of adds just a little bit of that bleeding look to back of the bait.

I have never used a trailer hook on a chatterbait. I never seem to have problems with them just bumping those, like they will sometimes on a spinnerbait.

Take your trailer hooks and apply some clear silicone sealant to the hook eye and let it set up before you add them to your spinnerbait.. This will keep your trailer hook from falling off and still move freely.

thanks for the replies guys ,

If you are getting allot of short strikes then use one or cut the skirt back or try adding a trailer all these things can help. I guise the most important thing is consider what structure you are fishing, a trailer hook will foul up more but then again it may be the only way to catch the fish in the first place .

I always use a trailer hook, but I've noticed that the majority of fish I catch seem to be hooked on the front hook. Oh well, its there if I need it.

Many good tips. Here's my humble thoughts.

Eye size of the hook is VERY important...as too small can damage the barb on the main hook. And if you have to replace the skirt at some point...then you almost have to cut the trailer hook off to accomplish this.

Some folks use a product called Shoe Goop for dipping the hook eyes in...then let dry for 24 hrs.

Trim the skirts ONLY if you don't use a trailer hook.

Consider having a small extra box dedicated to only "trailer hook" spinnerbaits.

If you use a spinnerbait with a 6" plastic worm or shad body...there are several ways to add a hook further back.

An odd trick...if you have a friend that does fly tying...have them make a few trailer hooks for you with bucktail / tinsel etc...

Anymore ideas?

when you buy your spinnerbaits most of them come with a plastic tubing on them save the tubing and slide it over the point to keep your trailer hook swinging free so to not get caught up as much. you can clip it in half and go through the side you only need a little piece. I dont use them unless i'm getting short strikes or i am on a bite in open water. The first fish i miss i will put one on. You might also put a single tail grub on the hook to get a bulky look for the fish. I use a salt and pepper grub and dip the tail in chartreuse. Good luck. Scott

Fisherfinatic as mentioned above the reason for using one is when the fish nip at your bait and you keep missing them.

Most the bass I've caught off the spinnerbaits with trailer hooks have been off the first hook and not the trailer, but I see the logic.

For what it's worth, on a recently viewed episode of Bass Pros, KVD said "ALWAYS use a trailer hook on a spinnerbait".

But then again, $$$ might play a role in that.

The first time you throw a spinnerbait without a trailer hook...that's when you'll get a short strike. For no more than it would cost, why don't manufacturers just put them on? It would be a big seller, and if one did it, all the rest would follow.
                                                                  

I started using a trailer hook and i have seen a huge decrease in my short strike and an increase in hook ups .

Mo, I believe Strike King includes a trailer hook with all their spinners.

Posted By Pegsguy on 25 Apr 2012 10:32 AM
Mo, I believe Strike King includes a trailer hook with all their spinners.

Tom...you're right...I just checked them out on the BPS site. Now I know how that slipped past me...they're $7.49 each! Ouch!!

Never said they were cheap, just said the hooks came with them! I can buy spinnerbaits all day at 3 for $5 and the left over $$$ buys a lot of trailer hooks!

Yes indeed...think I'll keep adding my own trailer hooks too!

I have never used a trailer hook on my spinnerbaits, although I should. Generally I trim a little off the skirt or just slow my retrieve some. It's usually the little fish that's just nipping away at it...LOL...j/k.