Over the last few months, I’ve shared some techniques on these pages that people seem to be trying with some success. When you think about it, incorporating squid into your offshore spreads is a no-brainer when you can find and purchase good quality whole squid.
One of the best ways to rig those squid, and ballyhoo for that matter, is with a Chin Weight coupled with a “stiff-rig” stinger hook assembly. Recently, I’ve received quite a few calls and e-mails from folks all over the country asking for a more straightforward way to achieve the result of a stiff-rig stinger hook.
I had to go to the barn, have a few cocktails and dig deep, but there is; a simple way to keep a stinger hook in a rigid “stiff” position without snelling it or making a cat’s paw connection. If the terminology is throwing you off at this point, stay tuned. The heat-shrunk stinger hook is a simple solution that anyone can achieve with limited materials and know-how.
The key to this rig is inexpensive heat-shrink tubing over a standard crimped-wire connection. Granted, you might only get a bite or two out of this rig before teeth shred the heat-shrink tubing, and it’s no longer rigid. However, it’s so easy to make this rig that you can churn out dozens in different lengths for different-sized baits and keep them at the ready. Cut your cable to the correct length and make a few crimps… That’s all there is to it.
Now, if you’re a visual learner like I am, watch the video I made on the process. See it once; it will be like a light bulb going off in your head. It is just that easy.
How to Rig a Stinger Hook with Heat Shrink Tubing
Step One: Make a standard crimped connection using the High Seas 1.0 crimp and the American Fishing Wire 175# (7×7) or 49-strand cable.
Step two: Make a second crimp at 90 degrees to the first crimp. The cable has a (small) diameter to fit over a 7/0 or 11/0 Chin Weight (as shown in the photo).
Step Three: Slide a ¾-inch length section of heat-shrink tubing over the crimped connection of the hook and heat with a lighter in the vertical position. That’s it!
How to make Stinger Hook Assembly for Crab and Squid Decoy Jigs
This is a detailed video of how to make your own replacement stinger hooks. This works for both J and circle hooks. The material is 250# (Red) Power Pro braided line tied in a three-loop uni on the shank of a 7/0 O’Shannesy style hook. Works great for all the grouper/snapper complex, cobia, striped bass and other species.
SALTWATER TACKLE YOU MAY WANT TO TRY:
7/0 and 11/0 J-Hook Chin Weights: Target fish include Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi or Common Dolphin, King Mackerel, Wahoo, and more. Easy to rig!
4 oz. Crab Decoy Jig: Target fish for Striped Bass, nearshore Drum, Snook, Grouper, west coast bottom fish, and more.
4 oz. Tuna Squid Decoy Jig: From the eastern, western, Alaskan, and gulf coasts, target fish include: Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, Fluke, Flounder, Striped Bass, Seabass, Amberjack (east coast), Yellow Tail (west coast), California White Sea Bass (west coast), Grouper, Snapper, Halibut, Ling cod, and all Alaskan bottom fish.
8 oz. - 12 oz. 10/0 Squid Decoy Jig: Catch BIG Grouper, Amberjack, Giant Stripers, and more.
