what kind of hook should I use for hanging a bait?

[Draino]

Should I use a treble hook or not? how big should the hook be? i plan on using beef heart or chicken--thx

[admin]

I would use either a 12/0 or 14/0 treble hook. Your idea with the 2X4s in your other post sounds good, you can then vary how high you hang the bait and eliminate getting the smaller gators. Maybe instead of leaning a 2x4 use a 2X2 or big cane pole. Lung makes a good bait too, if you want a bait that will float.

[Draino]

i went with a single hook, tarred line, beef heart and about a 20' piece of bamboo. i hung the bait over the bamboo about 2' above the water. i secured the tarred line with rubber bands so that the bait would easily drop off when the gator grabbed it. i have about 40' of tarred line that is wrapped and tied to a large tree on the bank. so far i have one 8'1" gator hooked. i am trying for the 14' i've seen several times. the temperature was 39 this a.m., so im thinking i need some warmer weather. right now i have beef heart and chicken out as baits. stay tuned

[admin]

Yep some warmer weather will make 'em a lot more active. Hope you get that big one.

Instead of rubber band, a cloths pin tied to your bamboo pole could be used to hold your bait line. It would release the bait line easily when the gator grabs it.

[jpatz18]

usually the higher you hang it the bigger the gator.

[admin]

Hey Draino,
How'd you do? Do you have a gator story for us?

[txgator]

Is a Treble hook better than a single hook? How long a shaft if a single hook? Thanks I am just getting started, any input would be greatly appreciated.

[admin]

Nuisance gator trappers around here like to use Mustad #3406 12/0 for a bait hook, which is a strong single hook. I assume you are a Texas hunter, because you cannot use baited hooks in the Florida State Hunts but nuisance trappers and private land hunters can.

[txgator]

Yes, I am in Texas. Thanks for your help, do not know anyone else around east Texas that knows anything about gator hunting, so I turned to this forum.

[txgator]

Does any body know where I can get the Mustad 3 3406 12/0 hook? I have checked at Cabela's, and Bass Pro.