Need some opinions on some possible tackle changes

[bloocrab]

A lot of people make the mistake of burying the hook in the wrong places. If I'm reading you right, you plan on doing like in the doodle I posted. This type of application will reduce your hook-ups incredibly. If you think about it, the reason you can put more "UUMMP!" with this application is because the spine of the bait supports the momentum of the cast. It won't rip thru this piece.....but will the hooks rip thru when a fish strikes?. If your using fresh bait... the chances are, not enough of the hook will penetrate the predator's mouth to secure the hook up. She will feel the barbs and spit. Now if your using mushy bait (frozen/old)...your idea will work better...but you wanna go fresh everytime if possible. FRESH RULES!!...also, you say you wade out as far as possible to get distance...meaning up to the edge of your waders?? If your doing that, your losing distance because you can't power up the rod as much...and theSpecialist is right, if you don't set the hook RIGHT AWAY with a trebble, you'll be setting more than one barb..in some nasty places. Go with Braid for sensitivity. And lasty, I'm with MacoJo on this one. Octupus Gami's = #1.

Bloo-