Connecting Big Lures and Hook / Hook Size Selection

Why Connections and Hook Sizes Matter in GT Fishing

At Gamefishing Asia, we’ve guided anglers after Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) for more than a decade. One thing we’ve learned: the way you connect your lures and choose your hook sizes makes a huge difference.

Every angler has their own system, but some are simply more effective. We’ve seen thousands of anglers in the Andamans, and those who adapt their tackle and refine their techniques consistently progress. Getting these details right not only helps you hook into GTs, but also ensures the fish can be handled and released safely afterwards.

What Hooks Are Best for GT Fishing?

For GT fishing, the best choice is usually large treble hooks that still allow your lure—poppers, swimbaits, or stickbaits—to work correctly.

• Why trebles? They offer a higher hookup ratio on aggressive strikes from Giant Trevally.
• Size matters: Bigger trebles on larger lures often lead to encounters with the biggest GTs.
• De-barbing: Always de-barb your trebles. This makes unhooking quicker, safer, and less harmful to the fish—an important part of responsible GT fishing.

👉 Tip: Stick to one hook manufacturer so sizing across your lures stays consistent.

Should I Use Single or Treble Hooks for GT Lures?

This debate comes up often. While some anglers prefer single hooks, our experience shows trebles consistently outperform them when targeting Giant Trevally. With de-barbed trebles, you keep the hookup advantage while still ensuring a safe release for the fish.

How Do You Connect a Heavy Leader to a Lure?

Strong connections are critical in GT fishing. Your leader is the final link between you and the fish.

• Knots: A uni knot or tube knot works well on a heavy leader.
• Crimps: A double-barrel crimp is neat, strong, and low profile.
• Bite-proofing: GTs can sometimes swallow a lure. Their jaws and teeth can cut a heavy leader, leaving the lure behind. To reduce this risk, double back around 10 inches of leader at the swivel, twist, and crimp again. This strengthens the connection, resists bite-offs, and also helps the lure swim more naturally.

What Size Hooks Should I Use for GT Poppers?

Your hooks should be as big as the lure can handle. Correct sizing ensures secure penetration into the fish and prevents hooks from opening under pressure.

Checks for proper hook size:

• Belly treble should be as wide or wider than the lure body.
• With hooks attached, a floating lure should sit at a 20–25° angle in the water.
• 15–20% of the lure should remain above the surface. Less means your hooks are too heavy, or the lure has taken on water.
• If the lure pulls without swimming or chugging, your hooks are too light—try a size up.
• Belly and rear trebles should touch but not overlap.

Why Does My Lure Sink With Big Hooks?

If your lure sinks or doesn’t swim properly after rigging, the hooks are too heavy. Oversized hooks can ruin the action; undersized hooks may not penetrate fully. Always test your lures in the water after rigging. Correct hook balance means your lure works as intended and increases the chances of a clean hook-up and safe release.

Summary: Connections That Work for You and the Fish

Your connection rig should:

• Keep your lure action natural.
• Be quick to rig or swap.
• Use hooks sized for strength and penetration, but safe for the fish.

Knowing your tackle inside out is the best way to be prepared. When you’re not experimenting, you can adapt quickly on the water. And with de-barbed trebles and properly sized rigs, you maximise your hookup chances while keeping the fish safe for release.

👉 Want to put these setups to use in the Andamans? Book your Giant Trevally fishing trip with Gamefishing Asia today.