changing treble hooks to singles

Question
Hi Marc,
I'm just getting back into fishing after a loooong hiatus, and I picked up a few lures and spoons to help me get started. I notice some of 'em (Krocodile spoons) come with a single hook to replace the treble. My question is: how challenging is it for an amateur to change hooks on his lures and NOT screw up the weight so bad that the lures action becomes totally borked.

Thanks in advance for the reply.

Brian Gardner

Answer
Hi Brian,

You shouldn't effect the action on most lures just by changing from a treble to a single.  Especially Krocs, which are pretty tolerant to changes.  Certainly, if the lure comes with a single, it was intended to be used with that lure.  If you are adding a single to other lures I'd say to go a little bigger than smaller than what's on there as a treble.  Not enough weight is more likely to cause problems (spinning)than too heavy.  

Most lures have hooks attached with a split ring which makes hook changing a breeze.  If not, like a Mepps spinner, you will have to cut the eye of the hook with a side cutter to remove it.  Then add the single by opening the eye (bend open slightly) and close it when it's on the wire.  The most popular single hook for lures is the Salmon or Siwash hook.  Those come with an open eye that you squeeze closed with a pliers.  The larger Krocs have welded rings instead of split rings.  Here, you have to either cut the hook eye or cut the ring and replace it with a #5 heavy split ring.

Good fishing!

Marc