I have grown to like heavy duty stinger hooks for bottom fishing and trolling for a number of baits that include squid ballyhoo and mackerel up top for the palegics, and squid, minnows and snapper on the bottom for grouper and (large) snapper.
Here is a simple way to construct your own (custom) hook size and length stinger hooks. This is not the ONLY way to assemble these stingers, this is just a simple way to construct them.
Step 1: Depending on desired length, cut a 12-18 inch piece of the waxed 250# braided line, and fold it in half , creating a pointed doubled end
Step 2: Insert the doubled end thru eye of hook (from back to front) approx. 2 inches.
Step 3: While holding your index finger on the shank of the hook, make a tight loop around the fingertip.
Step 4: Remove fingertip from loop, leaving remaining (formed) loops of braid.
Step 5: Make a three loop uni knot on shank of hook, inside (formed) loops of braid.
Step 6: Moderately pull on tag ends of braid to tighten uni knot on shank of hook using dehooker on doubled end and pliers on tag ends.
Step 7: Pull HARD on front doubled end to finish uni knot tightly up against eye of hook.
Step 8: Trim tag ends within 1/4 inch of uni knot.
If you are a visual learner, and/or if I did not explain this well enough, please visit the website www.circlehookjig.com and check the video, in the “How To” section, called “How to tie your own stinger hooks.”
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