Rigging Tips for Hooker Lures - Beginners Guide

All my slant faced lures run this way up, as per the diagram here.

HOOK PLACEMENT
If there is one subject that causes the most disagreement it would have to be rigging and hook placement.

The following is what works for me and has done for many years, and I know there are many opponents that will advise differently, and tell you that all this is B.S., but all the different techniques work, so I guess it's just trial and error to find the most reliable methods for yourself and ones that you have faith in..
There are always exceptions to any so called rules! Unfortunately nothing is 100% but you can help stack the odds in your favor by following a few of these guidelines.

To get the best reults from my lures:

I use double hook rigs set at either 60 degrees or 180 degrees on my lures. Although many also successfully use a single stiff rig on my lures.

The front hook should always be placed in the up position, as this helps the lure run and work as designed. This also has the advantage that the front hook is in a good position to hook marlin in the top soft part of the mouth.

My hooks are also rigged swinging , with the use of a stainless shackle, this sits nicely into the hook position keeper on the lure.
I place the rear hook point just inside the end of the skirts.

If you find the lure suddenly looks a bit lazy when swimming, check the front hook is still in the up position.

COLOURS:
Natural colours like the Saury, Ghost etc are my pick for early season fish, with the darker colours like the Black and Blue Knight awesome later in the season.
USE TEASERS:
For small boats I feel teasers are a must to help compete with the big boys and create more commotion and noise to draw the fish in.
Chains and birds are a great teaser for all the game fish, also inflatable fenders are a cheap and attractive alternative, just spray paint them up.
Teaser bars are particularly useful when targeting tuna

RAMBLINGS:
We've all seen marlin caught on some weird and wonderful lures and even banana lures, and yes they all do work at times. However I believe that like all fishing when the fish are in a feeding frenzy they will hit anything, but what about the remainder 90% of the time?
Running proven fish catching lures will definitely increase your catch rate. All lures will work at some stage and if run long enough, but any well designed and proven lure will get the most hits, I guarantee it !
(We are lucky that here in New Zealand we are blessed with many such good lure makers)

As with all fishing, there are no right or wrong ways of doing things. All methods work, some better than others.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

I hope your season is a successful one and you catch plenty !!