Picked up a few of these to try out stemming from a thread I made last year about ripping crankbaits through vegetation after someone suggested that these did the job extremely well. I'm happy to say that I was able to confirm that, so thank you to whoever made that suggestion! What awesome little baits these are, and it's timely as I've just about had it with Rapala DTs - my latest adventure with them is pulling one brand new out of the pack with the bill warped so bad it looks like someone held a lighter on it.
Back on topic with the Dredger: The only problem I've run into is that the stock hooks on them, while plenty sharp, are TINY. On the 8.5 size they look to be size 6, and they may be size 6 in Berkley Fusion which are smaller than other brands for a given size. Even though it's a small bait, these itty bitty hooks simply will not fly. The 10.5 size which is the only other size I've picked up to this point isn't much better. Looking at the lineup on the shelf, their hooks appear to be way undersized across the board.
I'm tempted to stick a size 2 KVD Triple Grip on the front and 4 on the back but don't want to screw up the action. Maybe size 4s on the front and back would be a better idea. What size and model hooks have you guys put on them with success?