Crankbait Replacement Hooks

[MO3N]

I have done a search for Hooks but only found alot of info on what brand and pros and cons of red hooks (best is either Owner, Gamakatsu or Mustad). but i was wondering if you guys replace your trebble hooks on your crankbaits, jerkbaits and lipless cranks with the exact same hooks that came with the bait. or do you go with short or long shank, bigger or smaller? do you put a larger one on the front and same on the back?

I have some baits that the hooks have started to rust and was going to switch out the rings and hooks to get ready for my first full bass season.

Thanks for the help

[basstastic]

There are only two instances in which i modify my hardbaits. One i add split rings to all my zara spooks b/c if you don't the fish can use the bait to unhook itself. Two i change out my trebble hooks on my strike king cranks b/c for some reason they tend to rust...i use gama's of the same size.

[bassboogieman]

I use Owner in a short shank, black nickle when I need to replace treble hooks. I have also used Gammies which are also a good choice. If a bait comes with a questionalbe quality hook (rattletrap is one well known one) I replace them (same size) before they go in the tackle box. Hard baits today run the gamut when it comes to quality, but the high end baits have premium hooks on them and won't require replacement until bent or otherwise damaged, the more economical baits usually require a hook upgrade - IMO anyway.

[carolina-rig-01]

Some guys swear by long shank and some guys swear by short shank, I think that is just a matter of pereference. But every bait I use that has treble hooks on it gets Mustad Triple Grips in place of factory hooks. Not saying that they are the only good hook out there but they work better for me than any other treble hook I have tried.

[MO3N]

OK ill try and match them as best i can. it seems to me that long shank would make the bait get hung up a little more on things. but that would depend on the bait and how you fish it i'm sure. i was going through some of the videos on bassproshop.com and if i remember correctly KVD said he replaces all his baits with a size larger hook. this seems like it would slow the action down. is this true? that could be a good thing specially for me fishing the colder waters in Washington.

[nofearengineer]

It makes sense that a larger hook, with more mass, would slow the action down a little bit, but perhaps not enough to matter.

I think the longer shank is obviously going to make it a little more snag prone too. But, bass lips count as snags, so that's a good thing as well.

A longer shank can give a fish a little more edge when trying to throw the hook, so my opinion would be that a longer shank hook would be more help on the middle of the crank than it would be on the tail.

[BigBassin144]

Sometimes messing the hook size or shank can effect the bait's action.

I keep the stock hooks on most of the time until they get dull. Owners or Gammies would be my first choices with VMCs or Mustads my second, less expensive alternative. I try to match the same size hooks.

BB

[MO3N]

OK ill try and match them the best I can. Is there a good way to figure out the hook size? Or is it best to just bring the hook to a local shop and match it up? I would like to order my hooks of the net so I can get a large quantity for a cheaper price. But I want to get the right size.

Thanks again for the help.

[woody]

Here's a download of a sizing chart that you might find helpful.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content/Parts_Sizing.htm


-Mark

[MO3N]

That is perfect.

Thanks

[Bubba_Bruiser]

I usually don't change my hooks. But a recommendation to keep them from rusting is to throw some toothpicks or the silicon bags you get out of shoe boxes in your tackle trays. It helps absorb any moisture left on the bait when putting back baits in the box.

[rrw4258]

When I replace hooks on crankbaits I use VMC Rapala Short Shank Trebles, the same ones that come on the DT series baits. I have always had good luck with these, so i stick with them. They are pretty cost effective to, 6 bucks and change for a 25 count box.

Ryan

[MO3N]

Thanks for all the info guys. Ill give them all a try. I will put an order for hooks within the week and I will be sure to put those silicon bags in my boxes from now on.

Thanks again

[BeaverIslander]

Originally Posted by rrw4258

When I replace hooks on crankbaits I use VMC Rapala Short Shank Trebles, the same ones that come on the DT series baits. I have always had good luck with these, so i stick with them. They are pretty cost effective to, 6 bucks and change for a 25 count box.

Ryan

I use these too. Good value.

[BassinNC]

I always use the same size that comes on the bait. I only change if the hooks bend or dull or comes with cheap hooks. I keep a handful of owner trebles in my boat.

[Rebbasser]

I keep the size the same and replace them with these:

http://lurepartsonline.com/cart.php?..._detail&p=1097

The stick you when you look at them.

[BrownHL]

This is a good article on KVD's take on replacing hooks on crankbaits and when to use long, or short shanks.
http://www.insideline.net/weeklynews/2008/08-0702.html

[3dkicker]

Reb - Those the hooks LC uses on their crankbaits?

[Rebbasser]

I don't know, 3d, but they sure look like them. Stick like them, too

[muddy]

VMC's,BPS,Mustad: whenever and which ever on sale, as they are interchangeable.

[3dkicker]

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

I don't know, 3d, but they sure look like them. Stick like them, too

I looked them a while back but forgot the deal with them. They are Owners but made by VMC or VMC made by Owner. Can't remember which. Still they are very hard to track down in stores. Got to buy them online.

[MO3N]

Thanks for all the hook advice. I will purchase some hooks just for the rusted ones. That article was a good read and it helped a lot.

I have a new question now and was going to try asking it instead of creating a new thread.

If I'm working a crankbait on a structure (like a drop off or point) that goes from 2 to 16 or 18 feet, is it better to choose a crankbait that dives to some were in the middle like 8 feet or is it better to choose one that goes the full depth?

Thanks again

[screwballl]

I found it helps if it goes as far down as possible since most of the time if there is a hungry bass there, it will usually hit the lure before it hits the bottom... but also if they are not hungry, multiple tosses to the same area can aggravate them into a reaction strike