Hi guys,

Thanks all for the replies.

Stlhead, I like that tip on the cut, keeping the bevel straight half way through the cut and then angle it at 45 the rest of the way through. I'm going to give that a try tomorrow...

Eric, your tip is similar to how I rig when I'm using 2 hooks and both are set in the fish. The difference being my hooks are offset about an inch or so from each other on opposite sides. But I'm going to give your method a try tomorrow too...

I do the 45/45 cut by hand and always clean out the cavity. With 1 hook it depends on the size of bait but the hook size is anywhere from a 1/0 to 5/0, usually a 3/0 threaded through the front of the cut just above and to the right of the spine and out the long side. Then threaded a second time into the long side even with the dorsal. Great action when the hook is matched to the size of the bait. Usually a nice looping roll with a little twitch or kick is what I get. If it isn't twitching I'll give it about 10 minutes in the water then and I'll do another. I really like the twitchers!

When I use a trailer I try to get the trailer hook shank even with the tail and the point just behind. I also use a chrome front hook and a black trailer. Really matches the herring colors well, you can hardly see the hooks at all in the water. When I use two hooks, I like smaller ones, like 1/0 and 2/0. Helps to keep the bait action lively.

When I run two rods, I rig one of each of the different hook setups. They both have a distinct action that is different. I usually get a tighter roll with two hooks.

Does anybody rig whole herring?