Saltwater is, ironically, the bane of saltwater tackle. More reels, hooks, and other steel tackle have been lost to saltwater than any other factor.
It rusts, creates abrasive deposits on fishing line, and much worse. Unfortunately, you just can’t separate the saltwater from a saltwater sportsman
So what you need to do is know how to keep your tackle – in this case, your slow pitch jig’s hooks – in fighting shape by keeping them sharp and preventing corrosion.
Here are a few high-level notes.
Preventing Rust
High-quality, plated hooks, such as Gamakatsu hooks, will last longer, stay sharper, and fight corrosion better than many other generics.
All the same, even high quality hooks will flag if you dip them in the drink and then stuff them in your pack without removing that noxious saltwater.
The simplest and most straightforward way to prevent rust on your hooks is to rinse them off with freshwater and allow them to dry completely before you put them back in your tackle bag or tray.
Here’s one other trick: don’t keep your jigs or hooks in a closed tackle tray for too long. They can trap moisture and cause rust.
Air them out every once in a while. Here’s one more trick; throw a piece or two of charcoal in there. It’s highly absorbent and can help keep your tackle bags, boxes and trays dry.
Keeping Them Sharp
Here’s the good thing about your slow pitch jigs. They’re basically chunks of painted metal. If you take care of them, they will last a lot longer than your hooks – and the truth is, like most other lures, they will likely continue to catch fish long after the finish has worn completely off.
Your hooks will not last that long. Hooks take the brunt of the brute force and strength of a big gamefish, and repeated stresses can cause the bend to straighten out or snap outright.
But, long before that happens, your hook points will go dull, and dull hooks are about as useful in the water as a dull knife is on a bread board.
Fish are tricksters when it comes to avoiding hook points and nearly as good when it comes to spitting the jig or rig even after they’ve been hooked. Don’t do them any favors, keep your hooks sharp.
Keep at least one hook hone in your tackle bag and check your jig’s hooks before you drop them over the rail. If they’re sharp enough to catch on your thumbnail, they’re sharp enough. If not, touch them up on the hone before working the jig.
Better 5 extra minutes honing a few hook points than a lost trophy.
Need Replacement Jig Hooks?
Looking for high quality Gamakatsu hooks to replace some of the aging hooks on your slow pitch jigs? Whatever you need to restore your lures (or tie your own rigs) take a look at Johnny Jigs to see what they offer. The uncontested leader in slow pitch jigging, they carry a wide range of jigs, hooks, and other terminal tackle you need to keep swinging them over the rail. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly for more information.
For more information about Electric Reel and Split Ring Pliers Please visit: Johnny Jigs.
