Land More Kokanee!!! [Top 5 Kokanee Hooks]

Click here for more Kokanee fishing videos: bit.ly/3eADeto
Are you running stock hooks on your Kokanee lures? Do you lose large numbers of Kokanee when fishing? Upgrading your hooks in one of the simplest steps a Kokanee angler can take to increase their success on the water. In this video I cover my top 5 favorite trolling Kokanee hooks. Make the change today and I promise you'll land more fish.
Hooks (size 4 is the most common size I run):
#5 Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Octopus amzn.to/2YC2Bpw
#4 Maruto Sickle Hooks bit.ly/3easpyS
#3 Owner Mosquito Hooks amzn.to/2NCaZPC
#2 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gapamzn.to/3g6oYJG
#1 Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot amzn.to/3g5NpH3
Thanks for watching!

[@panchopachangas4450]

I don’t get tired of hearing “Oh! There’s a fish!” 😂

[@vulcanez]

The first time I ever went solo Kokanee fishing I took your recommendation and used the drop shot hook. Went 5 for 6 on a 5 fish limit in 2 hours. 🙌🙌🙌

[@pdx25rsti]

I took your advice and bought some Finesse Wide Gap and some Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks. I've replaced the hooks on several of my lures and also made some of my own with those little shrimp you talked about in the soft mouth video. I HAVE ONLY LOST ONE FISH since switching to these new hooks. (I've lost several on the "stock" hooks) THANK YOU for everything you are teaching us. I have caught SO MANY more fish since watching your videos.

[@spiltmilt]

That is great. Crazy how so simple a change can make such a difference.

[@MatthewsFabrication]

Can you possibly sharpen/thin the Gamakatsu Octopus hooks & your loss ratio will decrease?

[@methowhomestead]

You make best fishing videos. Love all of em. Thanks for all the knowledge and tips!

[@timschwarze4842]

I, for one, am really enjoying watching you do these comparisons...I know this is not a thousands of fish study, but still, for someone like me who can’t get out nearly as much as you, it is fascinating. Thank you for taking the time to do it and share it with us.

[@wildzenventures]

So many great videos with tons of helpful info to get started and to improve. Love your channel

[@basstard4639]

Hi. Thanks for all the tips. Really helped me out.

[@capoeirabrasil]

Great video! Can I request that in your videos you let us know what depth your targeting on a given day? It would be really informative to hear what the surface temperature is, how much line you have out, weight you have on the line, and speed you're travelling at. I hope this information can improve my own kokanee fishing. Thanks!

[@jessetharp6319]

Yes. This.

[@spiltmilt]

Will do David!

[@stevenderusha6421]

Good info. Thanks for another great tutorial.

[@ericbraafladt7291]

I switched my lures to these drop shot hooks after watching this video. Definitely worth it! I love these comparison videos. Would you be willing to do a comparison or two of braid vs mono? And or Snubber vs no snubber? I’ve been using braid and liking it but most people feel mono is better to land more fish or that you have to use a snubber if using braid.

[@tezcatbus]

gonna be switching out asap thanks to this video and the comments underneath, been using gama octopus for two years on all my rigs from cast to drift to troll, and convincing myself all the fish i lose are my fault i mean, they are, but not for the reasons i thought after watching you lose all those kokes off the same hook i use when you clearly know what you're doing! liked AND subscribed? in this economy?? hell yes.

[@briancrabtree7088]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Switched my lures to Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot #4 hooks and gave them a shot. We landed 30 Kokanee without losing a single fish.

[@spiltmilt]

👍 awesome

[@stevepederson1736]

I have also changed hooks several years ago and noticed my loss rate dropped significantly. I am using a Mustad KVD Drop Shot, fine wire, double wide gap hook #10548RB. I am also using a size 4 in red almost exclusively. I don’t know how available they are at stores, I get mine at Jann’s Netcraft. Thanks for the info, I am always experimenting and trying to improve, and with Kokanee that is every day !!!

[@jager9825]

Good information. I'm going to start tying my own setups with the eagle claw hooks and playing around with paulina hoochies and building my own wedding rings.

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

#1 and #3 have been the leading hooks for pikeminnow, as they are slashers also. Plus the fine wire allows deep penetration as you stated. When you're bait fishing for money, hooks are extremely important! Interesting video, and your choices work well for other species

[@deej9367]

I like the hooks you recommend. Ive had issues with the maruto sickle hooks bending out on bigger fish like salmon. So I don't trust them anymore but I'm a true believer in thin wire for good hookups

[@jerillarhen]

Good stuff, about 15 years ago I was using nearly all dropshots, I then switched to the owner mosquito and still use them today. I really don't remember why I switched but I have not had issues losing fish on mosquito hooks. I also use size 2 hooks for everything. I remember having trouble keeping 10-12" kokes on #4 (probably octopus) hooks at Lake Billy Chinook and decided to upsize to #2, problem solved although I may have changed style at the same time.

[@mattcreasey628]

Great video. I really enjoy your comparison vids. Your #1 and #2 are my go to’s only reversed order and recently switched to Mustad instead of gami, I feel like the barb is larger and holds better on the Mustads.

[@mlcVideography]

Don't know why I've never considered the style of hook to be relational to my misses and losses. I'll definitely try out your recommendations so as to improve my catch rate. Thanks for the info!

[@edbarton6489]

Thanks for the tip about the hooks. My catch ratio has gone up significantly. Only lost two fish today as compared to last week I lost two fish to every fish caught.

[@spiltmilt]

That's great Ed!

[@lingking]

I love Alta Lake... So nice to go up there after filling up at Brewster.

[@fishgrubblades9835]

Thanks great video 👍

[@captainron9136]

Great video as always. I’ve been trying to figure out why I’ve been loosing so many fish. Time to get rid of the octopus hooks. Thanks for the tip!!

[@spiltmilt]

Santiam Fishing Rods bit.ly/3e8ItAK

[@captainron9136]

Spilt Milt Productions Are you using a snell knot on the Drop shot hook when you tie up your spinners?

[@chrisnystrom8466]

Thanks for this great look at hooks! Can't tell you how much I've enjoyed your videos. So Informative. I've got a Perception Pilot peddle kayak and I've officially been inspired to put my fly rod down and get out there and chase dem kokes! I need to outfit my yak with a rod holder setup or two. Your oufit appears rather elaborate (and effective) to this simpleton. Have you covered the hows and whys of your setup on one of the videos I may have missed?

[@spiltmilt]

This video might help with some of your rigging inquiries. If you need more help please feel free to reach out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bonVomakYrufors

[@ianwagner8139]

100 percent agree eagle claw will land more than gamys and most others brands great tip for kokanee the problem for me using eagle claw now is they bend open but I am salmon fishing the older eagle claw bronze were far stronger than the new ones they make now definitely they have the best hook design

[@davidwilliams3643]

I like sickle style hooks... like big river hooks. They're kinda thick, but sharp and strong

[@briang4583]

Good informative video. What rods were you using in this video? Thanks

[@mccurjm]

You seemed to get many multiples more hookups on the octopus hooks than on the split shot/drop shot hook, even though you were using the same setups on both. Do you think the octopus hooks have a wider gap or something that would cause them to at least get a bit of a hookup when the kokanee swipe at the lure? In my own testing, the split shot/drop shot hooks also seem to have very small and inconsistent barb sizes, especially in the size 4 that is quite tiny compared to most other size 4 hooks. I think the size 2 split shot/drop shot hooks are great hooks, but the size 4 hooks are so tiny that I don't think they get the initial hookup as well and the tiny, inconsistent barbs cause more fish to be lost. With the design of those hooks, even the size 2 split shot/drop shot hooks are nowhere near too large to use on smaller 10 to 12 inch kokanee. Even though I bought a bunch of the size 4 split shot/drop shot hooks due to word of mouth, after close examination and testing on fish I won't use those unless I'm going to pinch whatever bit of tiny barb they have down and go barbless. Check out the size 4 and size 2 Owner SSW with cutting point hooks for kokanee. They are consistently very sharp and penetrate great due to the point design, have a great offset, consistent barbs, and a relatively wide gap. After testing around 20 different hooks, they are my #1 hook. The size 4 gets primary duty with the size 2 if I am expecting bigger kokanee or other bigger fish. They are expensive at around 50 cents per hook, but if I am fishing open water they are what's going to be on my rigs. If I am in snaggy water or I am fishing very close to bottom, I'll go with some of the "also rans" from my previous hook testing or just pull some out of the big box of the Eagle Claw lazer sharps from Wal-mart. I was also surprised by how consistently sharp those were and nothing can touch them when it comes to value for kokanee hooks. Great video! Keep them coming! :)

[@spiltmilt]

I was getting more bites on that rod as it just tended to be the outside rod on the turn and that seemed to be the magic recipe. I don't think hooks had anything to do with actual bite consistency, perhaps though. I agree on the more diminutive size of the split shot hooks and I tend to run size 2 or even 1.

[@ryanclark1841]

Great last few videos, glad to see you putting more content out. I also strictly use the gammie drop shot hook. Do you sharpen those out of the package? I have heard lately the argument to sharpen all hooks out of the package but these thin wire drop shots are so sharp I think we all have put one in a finger tying set ups.

[@spiltmilt]

I don't sharpen them as they are already ridiculously sharp.

[@noawestfall9284]

first, epic love the video

[@makapa2u]

Awesome slap in the face - I lost 2 trying to net at the side of my yak 🤪 on Kachess lake

[@righteousfishing3163]

DOPE!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🎣

[@LovingIdaho]

Rooster tails are my favorite . But lots of practice using them . About 45years . I really like to use them near the surface when the fish are taking insects . If you run the rooster tail just right , your are around 1 inch from the surface . I had lots of luck with that . Especially in horseshoe lake in woodland , Kress lake and little green lake . I use blue fox quite a bit . I probably get more bites right away with blue fox . I use panther martins , but never my first pick . But , I still have atleast 100 of them in my tackle .

[@ricardo.perezz]

Very informative video! I was wondering if you could post the gear you are using, or mentioning recommended gear in the description. Thanks, keep up the great work.

[@spiltmilt]

It is in the description

[@ricardo.perezz]

@@spiltmilt The rod and reel combo? I didn’t see it, but I might just be blind

[@iloverbk1]

Change to the number one hook already! I believe you!

[@KeithMK]

So do u use the same hooks for trout fishing, like either trolling or bottom or bobber fishing? I always miss bites when trolling wedding rings for trout, so I have some, but never use em because of that reason.

[@Dano896]

The key is the turns 👍🏾🇺🇸

[@brianbarnes3148]

As always a great video!, I do have a question regarding the weight carrier you were using. I have been playing around with some options to get away from my downriggers (their just a bit much some times) What are they called and where can I order some, Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

This video covers all that and includes links in the description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2rbk2l4d9d5h5I

[@tylerrandolph6193]

I thought it was just me being a novice! I lose three quarter of the hookups. Got fed up after yesterday's outing. 1/10 landed. Old guys were saying the same hook. Gonna tie them up and try again this week before it drops too much to launch!

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Great video. I ordered some hooks through a couple of your links. I hope you get a kick back through the link use. Thanks.

[@stingray4540]

I know this is an old video, but have you tried the octopus light hooks from gamakatsu? I use the drop shot/split shot hooks exclusively once I improved my catch rates with them. I am wondering about the octopus light hooks though since they would smell better than the splitshot/drop shot do.

[@spiltmilt]

I have not. Wire diameter is not my primary issue. I just don't like the design of Gamakatsu Octopus hooks. They just don't hold very well in salmon mouths.

[@MichaelLewisMusic]

Great information, thank you. What intrigued me most was the fact that (even though you lost most of them) the pole with the octopus hook got twice the fish hits that the other pole did? What's up with that I wonder?

[@spiltmilt]

I believe it mostly has to do with which side of the boat the rod is on. I troll a circular pattern and so somedays the inside rod gets more action and other times the outside rod gets more action.

[@MichaelLewisMusic]

@@spiltmilt Thanks again for the help on this info. We've replaced the hooks on our wedding rings and are landing a lot more. What's your thought on going with treble hooks? I never see those on Kokanee lures and figure there must be a reason but I'm curious?

[@noawestfall9284]

what is that in the background at 15:04

[@ocrun6765]

Great review. If you happen to come across the Gamakatsu split shot drop shot #4 or #2 at the 20 cent per hook price you mentioned in quantity would you please post a link?

[@spiltmilt]

deadly-venom-tackle.myshopify.com/collections/hooks

[@ocrun6765]

@@spiltmilt Thanks!

[@stowperro]

Do a video to go with this on Tying your hooks and rigging hoochies!

[@spiltmilt]

Already done sir kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2TZ4Knmp2rbq8

[@jonmann3216]

Let me take a guess...Rimrock lake down near the dam area. That looks like the last camp site over on Goose Egg Rock.

[@davidmcneill3964]

Thanks for the great video - I noticed that you seem to have a slow retrieve when you are bringing the fish in - do you think that helps with not losing fish?

[@spiltmilt]

I do. Slow and steady wins the day.

[@mike.j]

@@spiltmilt sounds like another comparison vid is in order: slow retrieve vs "average" retrieve. Keep 'em coming, I won't be getting tired of this format any time soon!

[@terryrothgeb1684]

The lips are so soft and they thrash the whole way in, any movement can make slack and they can just pull the hook out. Smoking some kokanee tomorrow ;)

[@Mrpike69]

Does color play a big enough part? Mainly asking in regards to the pinks and yellow dipped hooks.

[@spiltmilt]

It can on certain days.

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

I like the size 1 Octopus hooks. I wonder if there's a difference in landing ratios compared to size 4's? If kokanee have soft mouths, does wire thickness truly matter? Have you ever tried a size 1 octopus hook? I'd love to see a comparison of the size 1 vs size 4....

[@spiltmilt]

Going up size would def increase hook ups because I think gap size relates a lot to that. In terms of hook penetration I still think you get better performance with thinner wire.

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

@@spiltmilt I'll have to try thinner wire hooks one day. If kokanee have soft mouths like everyone says, I find it hard to believe a thinner wired hook would make a difference. However, I'm a firm believer that I "need" to see it to believe it, which means more tackle to try 😁

[@chillipphi]

Can you just tune the octopus hooks with some pliers? Make them more offset similar to the Laser sharps?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes you could

[@erichunter14]

How about for jigging? Should I change out the trebles on my kokanators?

[@spiltmilt]

No keep the trebles

[@Steve-bi2rd]

I keep losing them on the gammie octopus hooks to. Would upgrading to the eagle claws be worth it?

[@spiltmilt]

Def worth a shot and a small investment to make. Let me know how it works out.

[@tcarlson06]

What rods are you using?

[@lcgilbertson4791]

Nice video. Would you recommend these same hooks for cutthroat and rainbows?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes

[@lcgilbertson4791]

@@spiltmilt Excellent. Took my daughter trolling for cutthroat on Sammamish a few days ago and she hooked and then lost 5 fish. She was pretty upset, so I want to see if I can do something to up her odds. I'll give these a try.

[@Bykerboy26]

On average how much line are you letting out with the setup you have? Are you targeting fish at a certain depth? Lastly, I seem to get my line tangled when making turns with just one rod, how are you running two without getting them tangled? Thanks in advance!

[@spiltmilt]

It will depend on the target depth. In this video fish were 25-35' deep so I was using 2 oz at 75'-100'. You might be getting tangled on the turn because your turns are so sharp the line is falling in on itself. Try making broader turns which is what I do to prevent tangling of my rods. I very rarely get lines crossed.

[@bersekv]

Hi Tyler, one question. What kind and styles of hooks do you recommend me and everyone when going to Roosevelt? I have been there once and for sure I lost most of the fish that I hook I was thinking I was because of the hooks. I use split shot 2 then start loosing a bunch of fishes then I switched to 1 size and I did better. But I don’t know if 1 is good or should I switch styles and size. Thanks Tyler.

[@spiltmilt]

Absolutely for larger Kokanee size 1 is a must

[@bersekv]

@@spiltmilt thank a for the answer, will be there I a couple weeks again and try luck again, this time I will use size 1 lures and I have some 1/0 ready just I case, don’t know if that’s over kill.

[@zoodidwa]

Funny...you talkin' I'm watching your poles. Fish on!

[@dallaswood4117]

It’s hilarious every time he’s talking to the camera and gets a fish I notice it way way before he does I just want to yell at my phone you got one!!!

[@seththompson4559]

What are your thoughts on the Trokar Pro-V Octopus hooks? They seem to have a similar shape to the Maruto Sickle Hooks.

[@spiltmilt]

Never used but Trokars are extremely sharp.

[@seththompson4559]

@@spiltmilt I'll stick with the split shot/drop shot but I thought you might have tried them on Roosevelt.

[@seththompson4559]

@@spiltmilt I haven't used them either but the shape reminded me of the Maruto. My favorite kokanee hooks are Mustad Ultra Point Beak Bait Hooks. They have a nice hook point offset and I feel they lead to more hook ups.

[@leslewis687]

OK, last week we were on Blue Mesa and the bit was really really tuff, but I finally put on something the koks would hit. the lure was a spinner with a treble hook. I checked each barb for sharpness and filed and checked to make sure they were nice and sharp. Put on the corn and put out 4 colors and my son said Dad !! fish on, so I start a nice retrieve and get all colors in and that leaves the top shot and damn it get off!!! That process happened several times before the bit stopped. Now you just did a video on single hooks that was priceless, but what can I do with the treble hook to improve the keep on into the net?? Would bending the hooks just a little help with the penetration or not?? I also think that due to the hotter temps that their mouths are really soft this year, as weave never lost so many koks. Thanks for your contribution to the sport by making these very informative videos, also hope you can help me with this problem, Les

[@spiltmilt]

The trouble with trebles is that the gap tends to be narrow and reduces the ability of the hook to penetrate. I tried trebles years ago for Kokes and it just didn't work for me. As for trebles that I have had the best luck with look for Trapper Tackle trebles (no longer in production) or check out the Fusion 19 EWG hooks from Berkley. They are a thin wire treble with a wide gap and come in great Kokanee colors. www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-terminal-tackle-hooks-berkley-fusion19/fusion19-ewg-treble-hooks/1509832.html#start=6

[@leslewis687]

Thanks for the reply and Ill be watching for your next video.

[@mikhailogorodnik164]

What the name of the lake

[@garycullison5148]

Great video as always. So it is apparent you lost more fish on the octopus but maybe due to the editing things seen as cued. Would be really interested in total bites for each side and loss as the video shows most of the bites came from the octopus side. Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

The octopus side did get more hits as it was generally the outside rod based on my troll pattern. I didn't edit any bites out other than a couple Rainbows landed on the split shot hooks.

[@Steve-bi2rd]

Where do you get the eagle claw hooks from?

[@spiltmilt]

Amazon

[@AlexRamos-yr8xw]

What hooks would you recommend for Sockeye?

[@spiltmilt]

Finesse wide gap size 1

[@mildclimate]

What kind of flasher do you use?

[@spiltmilt]

I use a Humminbird Helix 5 G2

[@Steve-bi2rd]

Do you put a spinner on your hoochies or no spinner?

[@spiltmilt]

Sometimes generally I prefer not to.

[@TwoStageTrigger]

I lost 4 fish one trip with trebel hooks and micro shrimp. Not sure how they shook a trebel hook.

[@stinkopants]

Small trebles not work very well? ....I suppose singles bait easier is the reason they are preferred

[@spiltmilt]

Surprisingly small trebles do not work well and they are a nightmare in the net.

[@daveengstrom9250]

What about treble hooks?

[@spiltmilt]

Nope. Lose more fish and a pain in the net

[@flashover52]

Noticed you aren't running the blue SWATE rods in this video. Are you still running those or has your preference changed?

[@spiltmilt]

Great rods, made by a company that doesn't care for its employees. I switched to Santiam Fishing rods. A small rod company based out of Oregon. Good people.

[@UcranianoUKR]

Have you tried bending out the octopus hooks

[@spiltmilt]

I've not. Would be interesting though.

[@noawestfall9284]

what lake is that

[@deej9367]

Go find a lake on your own. The internet has ruined many fishing spots. Ive spent lots of money and time finding good spots to fish. Have an adventure and try places around where you live

[@ancienttechnology7337]

Man I catch chinook and coho on size 4

[@xfighter1117]

But you got more bites on the octopus that has to count for something

[@pauljabbour9792]

Maybe you loose fish on that side may not be the hook, but reeling the handle left handed!

[@paulmonaco1148]

LOL... I'm a lefty, and have N E V E R lost a single fish by reeling it in LEFTHANDED... Hahahahahahaha.. It was ALWAYS something else. LOL.

[@user-pv8ry8er6k]

What do you do with all your Kokanee?

[@spiltmilt]

I eat them

[@frankpiacentino9236]

Do you bend Paulina peak dodgers

[@spiltmilt]

Not usually but I will on occasion change the bend in the teardrops

[@paulmonaco1148]

I myself just lost (3) Kokes while watching this video... hahahahahahaha

[@spiltmilt]

Nooooooo!!!