Strip baits come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from large sections of bonito belly to tiny slivers of artificial skin. And even though strip baits are notoriously tough, both natural and artificial strip baits can suffer from longevity issues - especially at higher-than-average speeds.
I developed a way to keep strip baits of any kind securely fastened to the hook, even after repeated attacks or many miles of trolling. In previous Tips & Techniques, you've seen me cheat a bit by using Zap-A-Gap to make quick, permanent connections - it comes in handy for this one too.
In this tip, you insert a split ring or washer into the head end of the strip bait to keep it from pulling off the hook.
First, choose the ring you're going to use to reinforce the strip, and place it on the strip at the connecting end. Double over enough of the connecting end (fat end) of the strip bait to cover the ring or washer, and punch a hole through the strip and the ring. Now carefully glue the flap down over the ring using a liberal amount of Zap-A-Gap, making sure the holes you punched are still aligned. Once the glue is cured, you can run your connecting leader material through the reinforced strip and the hook's eye, and rig the strip as you normally would. It will take quite a bit of pulling to get this one to come apart.
Walker Holcomb
Maitland, Florida
