How to Make Stinger Hooks

A stinger hook, properly rigged, can help catch short-striking fish.

Occasionally, when fishing, the fish may be finicky and strike only the tail of your lure or bait when retrieving or trolling. When fish consistently strike short, a stinger hook can help you catch more fish. Fish that strike short will not come close to the primary hook. A secondary stinger hook, however, which trails your rig, extends the reach of the lure or bait. Three primary types of stingers exist, including the hook-to-hook stinger, the leader stinger and the g-stinger, all of which are simple to set up and use.

Things You'll Need

• Swivel
• Leader line
• Hooks

Instructions

Hook-to-Hook Stinger

1. Select a hook similar in size to the hook on your lure or bait.

2. Slip the eyelet of the stinger hook over the point and onto the bend of the primary hook on the lure or bait. Thread a small plastic washer onto the point of the primary hook to help keep the stinger hook in place.

3. Add another stinger hook and washer to the first stinger hook if fish continue to miss your bait or lure.

Leader Stinger

1. Tie a surgeon's loop or other good loop knot in the end of a section of leader line. Measure the length of your lure and cut the leader to a little longer than that length.

2. Tie a single or treble hook onto the other end of the leader, using a Palomar or other good fishing knot.

3. Attach a swivel to the end of your main fishing line. Open the clip on the swivel and slip on both your lure or bait hook and the loop in the end of the stinger hook leader. Close the swivel clip

4. Allow the stinger hook to flow freely behind the lure or bait. Alternately, thread the point of the stinger through the tail or rear fin of your bait.

G-Stinger

1. Select a short length of leader line that is twice the length of the leader you want. Double the line over and tie a surgeon's knot in the end of the lines to form a large loop.

2. Insert the round end of the loop through the eyelet on the stinger hook. Insert the end of the loop through the loop itself to secure it to the eyelet.

3. Insert the round end of the loop on the stinger hook through the eyelet in either the lure or the primary hook in your bait.

4. Pass the leader loop over the stinger hook. Pull the leader loop tight to the eyelet on the lure or primary hook so that it trails from the eyelet.

References

• Go Saltwater Fishing: Use the Stinger Rig to Hook Short-Striking Fish
• Gamakatsu: G-Stinger Looped Stinger Hook System
• Great Lakes Fisheries Trust: Baitfishing Basics
• FryingPanTower.com: How to Rig a Ballyhoo