Quote Originally Posted by NIMROD View Post
I use no less than 5/0 forged stainless on 150 # test braid and never had one straighened. Those forged hooks are hard to bend but will break but the cheaper wire hooks will bend. My rig is swivel in line up about 18'' from hook so I can stop twist and place a heavy lead sinker to hold down bait in current. Helps to tie them on limber green limbs that work as shock absorbers . I have some regular stainless in 9/0 thinking about rigging up for bigger baits. I have caught big Flatheads after a 3# channel took the bait first then got swallowed by a Flathead. If your targeting bigger Flatheads bait size matters because Flatties will eat huge baits and helps keep off Channels .

Tip get a big dip net and don't get excited. Remain calm and never try to horse a biggun , but play him down. Too many folks pull to hard and something has to give and many times it will be the hook set or tackle.

Good advice right there.