Trapper Trebles Provide Winning Edge at the California Delta

How Hunter Schlander Won the FLW Costa Series Event on the Famed California Delta

By Derrek Stewart 5/18/17, updated 12/5/25

Hunter Schander’s primary bait was a Lucky Craft BDS Delta Craw square-bill crankbait dressed with a pair of Trapper Trebles.

Don't Hook Them, Trap Them

Many of you are aware of Trapper Tackle's award-winning hooks. I first reported on this revolutionary hook design after spending time with Trapper Tackle Ambassador Vince Hurtado this past fall at Clear Lake, California. Trapper has expanded their hook line with the new Trapper Trebles; they're scheduled to hit the market in June 2025.

Better By Design

Avid crankbait fishermen know that bass can sometimes escape conventional treble hooks. A bass jumping off from a crankbait comes as no surprise to anyone. The Trapper Treble will change this expectation by dramatically increasing your catch rate. Click the link above to learn why the Trapper Box design is superior.

Uncertainty to Confidence

Hunter first encountered the Trapper Treble at this year's International Sportsmen Expo in Sacramento, California. Trapper's Vince Hurtado was providing anglers with a preview of the soon-to-be-released Trapper Treble. At first glance, Hunter wasn't sure, but this is what separates him from most: he had to test things for himself and then decide. "I might have my doubts, but I'll keep an open mind until I try things," explained Hunter.

Well into practice, Hunter experienced two critical bites that jumped off his lure with standard trebles. The situation had him anxious. "I'm not going to have a chance for a strong finish if I keep losing bass like this." "I found winning fish, but in the back of my mind I was worried, big bites were hard to come by, and I knew if I hooked them, I had to keep them on; these opportunities were extremely limited."

The night before his last day of practice, Hunter spoke to Vince, and they replaced his trebles with Trappers. During that last day of practice, Hunter knew he was on the right path. Nothing, big or small, came unbuttoned after that; Hunter had them 'Trapped.' In fact, he couldn't free the bass from the Trapper Treble without using pliers.

Hunter Schlander in the foreground boat, front deck, cranking parallel down the lane between the rock bank and the weed line. Photo by FLW

Hunter's mind was made up, and it was time to start the competition. Hunter went from a position of uncertainty to one of confidence. Going into the final day of the event, Hunter was sitting in 2nd place, approximately 5 pounds behind the leader, Delta juggernaut Robert Lee. When everyone else appeared to struggle to finish, Hunter rode his sureness to an impressive win. He caught Lee passing him by 6 pounds 15 ounces!

Hunter explained that he shared water with Dane Mitchell of Texas throughout the tournament. Going into the last day, Mitchell was sitting in 3rd place right behind Hunter. Mitchell was also using the same crankbait. During the final weigh-in, a pained Mitchell told the audience that he lost three critical fish that day. The Trapper Treble was the difference.

Hunter Schlander is the 2017 California Delta FLW Champion. Congratulations. That was an impressive victory. While many competitors struggled with the conditions and the stingy bite, Hunter remained steadfast, accumulating a 3-day total weight of 57 pounds 1 ounce. 

Hunter, thank you for sharing your story of triumph with us. Good luck and great fishing to you!

Heavy Hitters: Final Top 10 Pro Standings

Title photo by Vince Hurtado, Trophy photo by DSF, Trapper Treble Hook Image by Trapper Tackle, Schandler fishing on Delta Canal by FLW, Schlander hoisting trophy by DSF, Top Ten standings image by FLW.