After seeing the pictures of how Dan Theim’s big flathead bent the hook on Brian’s 50# digital scale I thought it was time for some modifications to the scale hook. I took a size #1 swivel and tied a 8 inch piece heavy yellow hi vis twine to it and then tied a large snap swivel to the other end. I took one of my large 10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks and filed off the barb so it is nice and smooth and hung it on the snap swivel. I hung this rig on the hook of the scale and snugged a rubber thread protector on to the scale hook. The thread protector cost 13 cents at the local hardware store and keeps the extension rig from sliding off the scale hook – seems to work pretty good. I bought a few extra thread protectors in case I lose one.
Be careful with this rig because the 10/0 hook is super sharp. The good thing with this setup is that it will be easy to hook your fish to weigh it and it should come right out pretty easy with the barb gone from the hook. The bad thing to watch out for with this setup is that you have to be very careful so you don’t impale yourself on that big hook. Here is a pic of the setup:
July 16, 2006 at 7:13 pm
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