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I tie a good ball bearing snap swivel to the end of my main line. Then I add a small bell weight to the snap along with the quick rig. If a nothern swallows your hook, then you can unsnap the swallowed rig and snap on a freshly baited one. Make up your own quick rigs with tieable coated steel leader line. This is more flexable and easier to bait up. Keep these handy so you can change out your q-rigs in a hurry.
I've tried circle hooks instead of trebles, but not sure if they are better or not. I,ve tried several kinds of line, but do like the 40 lb. test dacron. No stretch to it and it wears like iron.