In my opinion TNT slabs are one of the best slabs made! You can catch a hundred fish on one and it would still look like it came out the box. One thing I always do is change the silver hooks to red eagle claws and have no problems.

As far as the hooks, I've got no complaints. while other mfgr's
baits have hooks that BREAK, the eagle claw hook that Bryon uses
aren't as deeply tempered & they BEND, which is a good thing if you fish slabs alot. beleive me, it's a lot better to bend out a hook and get your slab back from that tree in 30' of water, than it is to have that hook hold & lose a $3 slab.
Besides, these are white bass, not redfish. they're not exactly tackle-busters. Hybrids, yes to an extent, but if your drag is set correctly, you're not gonna lose a fish to a bent hook. Keep up the good work, Bryon!
JMO....
tight lines
-Brian

+1 on the removing one of the hooks off the treble and flatten the barbs for the catch and release days. Much faster, easier and safer for you and the fish.

Going back to Academy on Cherry Lane today to see if they have them on the racks yet.

Bryon,
Just my opinion but I think the hooks on the 1oz. 180's are the perfect size for sandies & stripers & would like the same size on the 3/4oz. I will likely change these out myself. Not sure what brand I would go w/ though. Great slabs & have already caught me a lot of fish & I have only had them for just over a month. Good work!

I crush the barbs on mine also. Certainly makes releasing the fish, even if you are keeping it, easier. Especially when they suck in the entire hook and you get all 3 hooks set.

I haven't tried cutting one off, but will next time.

I too have removed one of the hooks at times. Makes it easier to get the fish and your bait back in the water quicker. H & H Lure Co. uses a Double Hook on their spinners which I have tried on the TNT slabs. It seems to work good, but I have yet to find a tackle store that carries just the hooks. You can buy the hooks from H & H, but they have $100 minimum order requirement.
http://www.hhlure.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=56635

Guess I will just keep cutting one of the hooks off for now.

I love the hooks, I just wish they didnt lose their luster after 3000 fish have been caught on one, ahahaha.

Great job Mr. Nolan, you have a great product and have marketed it well.

do you know if the NRH store is out. I called and they said they could not find them?

I have been using TNT Slabs and I think that they are one of the best slabs on the market. I flaten all of my barbs. Its just much easier.

got mine , NRH store has some. I ll try 'em tomorrow, see if you guys are telling the truth about 'em or if I got taken, lol.

I sometimes replace the trebles with circle hooks on slabs over 1 oz.,since larger fish will hit larger slabs.It works great ,because sometimes when hybrids hit,they will be hooked deep.And when you have the circle hook on there,it stops that and gives you a good hookup in the corner of the jaw most of the time.And cuts down on the time of getting a fish off of the hook.Just my .02,try it,you might like it.

Me Too!

Those dang hooks are so strong that if you ever get caught up on the bottom you'll break 40lb test before you straighten the hook out. And you'll catch 500 + fish before you even think about changing the hook. I hate it when that hook still draws blood from your finger tip after catching 500 + fish.

Bryon, forget China. Can we get some of those flimsy made in Twain numbers on those baits?

Try attaching the circle hook to the front of the slab with a swivel and split ring..more hookups less hangups...I don't like eagle claw trebles either..I switch them to something with a wider gap.

The hooks do TNTs do break. I can certainly attest to that fact.

Had a hook get caught in the mesh on the boat one day and I took the pliers in an attempt to get a better grip on it and the hook broke right off. Snapped.





The paint was well worn off that hook. Untold numbers of fish have been caught on it. Couldn't even begin to guess as to how many. The hooks had been bent from trying to get them outta fish that ate them too deep. Rebent to put back in to action.

So..poor me. I put it in a little box on my work bench with my other TNTs that have broken hooks. Why, you may ask, do I keep them?
The finish is still in excellent condition. One of these days, I'll replace the hook and put that bait back in to service.


Keep up the great work Bryon. Very happy to see you partnering with Academy. You deserve it.

Dang!! I was at Academy on Bryant Irving the other day and didn't even see them, I wasn't looking for them though... I will definitely get some when I go back. It kills me when I get hung up and lose one. They ARE the best slab out there in my opinion..