All my slant faced lures run this way up, as shown in the diagram

Hook Placement

If there is one single subject that causes the most disagreement, it would have to be rigging and hook placement.

The following is what works for me and has done for many years, and I know there are many opponents that will advise differently, and tell you that all this is B.S!

But all the different techniques work, so I guess it’s just trial and error to find the most reliable methods for yourself and ones that you have faith in.

There are always exceptions to any so-called rules! Unfortunately, nothing is 100% but you can help stack the odds in your favour by following a few of these guidelines.

To get the best results from my lures:

If using a 2 hook rig I tend to use smaller hooks than the head size. If using a single hook I tend to use a larger one.

Eg: Big Swimmer – Twin hooks size 10/0’s, single hook a size 12/0. I usually use double hook rigs, set at 180 degrees on my largest lures. Front hook up. Single hooks on the smaller lures, with the hook barb just inside the skirt.

Depending if I decide to run hard drags or not also determines if I use a two hook rig or single. Hard drags – two hook rig. Soft drags – single hook rig. With a two hook rig, the front hook should always be placed in the up position, as this helps the lure run and work as designed. This also has the advantage that the front hook is in a good position to hook marlin in the top soft part of the mouth.

My hooks are also rigged swinging, with the use of a stainless shackle, the crimp sits nicely into the hook position keeper on the lure. I place the rear hook point just inside the end of the skirts. If you find the lure suddenly looks a bit lazy when swimming, check the front hook is still in the up position.

Colours: Lighter colours like the Saury, Ghost, Lumo etc are my pick for early season fish, with the darker colours coming into their own later in the season.

Use Teasers: For small boats, I feel teasers are a must to help compete with the big boys and create more commotion and noise to draw the fish in. Chains and birds are a great teaser for all the game fish, also inflatable fenders are a cheap and attractive alternative, just spray paint them up. Teaser bars are particularly useful when targeting tuna!

Ramblings: We’ve all seen marlin caught on some weird and wonderful lures and even banana lures, and yes they all do work at times. However I believe that like all fishing when the fish are in a feeding frenzy they will hit anything, but what about the remainder 95% of the time?

Running proven fish catching lures will definitely increase your catch rate. All lures will work at some stage and if run long enough, but any well designed and proven lure will get the most hits, I guarantee it! (We are lucky that here in New Zealand we are blessed with many such good lure makers !)

As with all fishing, there are no right or wrong ways of doing things. All methods work, some better than others.

One thing I have learnt over the years is that as soon as I come up with a theory the next fish comes along and blows it out of the water. I’ve given up on working out too many theories and try and keep things simple and relax and enjoy the days on the water.

Happy to answer any questions you may have, just send me an email as the phone cannot always be answered when making my lures.

I hope your season is a successful one and you catch plenty !