Changing Trebles

[Saint Paul Dan]

One thing I have on the top of my "to do list" is to switch the factory hooks on my crankbaits to a higher grade hook. I feel like I lost way too many fish last year on crankbaits in general and especially on rattle traps. I realize that there are plenty of other variables including rod action, line type, and how you fight the fish to name a few. I will be modifying these other variable as well, but I feel that hook quality and possibly hook size played a big role. Wanted to see how people feel about swithcing the factory hooks to a custom hook. Do you guys do this with your crankbaits after you take them out of the box? If so, do you stick to the same size hook as the one that came on the bait? Or do you increase the size of your hooks? A lot of people on various TV shows reccomend doing this, but I wanted to see what people's opinion are regarding the topic.

Dan

[Deitz Dittrich]

Dan- another great question.

I do often switch the hooks out of the box. And at times I do up size a hook or two, it really depends on the lure and if I can get away with it. Other times I put the same size hook back on. If you put one on thats too large they hooks can cross and get tangled, which is a bad thing. Also, sometimes if you increase in hook size it can mess up a lure boyancy... if it was s suspending model.. it may no longer be ect....

So, to answer your question.. yes I switch them more often than not.. and yes at times I will increase the size.. however, usually only of the front hook. Adding weightto the back of the bait tends to hinder action.

[slipperybob]

In addition to upgrade or downgrade in hook size is that sometimes you may want a heavy duty hook and sometimes you might desire a lighter wire hook. Sometimes you might desire a longer shank.

I feel that a lot of hook unbuckles because of those enourmous split rings used. Just a theory of mine, but I think it may prevent a hook point from achieveing optimal position. I've been experimenting without split rings for lures that may get hanged my using fishing line instead so I can retrieve lure and only lose hook, and believe that this helps prevent a fish from throwing the hook. So far I've only done this for crappie and walleye lures when I'm cranking through rocks and downed lumber. I've noticed increase in hookset and succeses in landing of fish. In theory, this may also work for bass.

[Fever]

I do change hooks as well. I like to add a higher grade hook and often times a red colored hook to add that touch of red flash to the presentation. I'm not sure that it makes a TON of difference but I do feel more confident in my cranks because of it. I really don't recall losing very many fish on my cranks at all when I think about it. Like you said though, it could be the line, rod...etc. Good topic, should be helpful to many.

Fever

[st.crioxfishin]

I also change my hooks on the crankbaits that I have. I don't throw crankbaits a lot, but when I do I want to make sure I have good sharp hooks on them. As Fever stated, I also put a red hook on my crankbaits. I always put that red hook in the front of the bait in theory that the fish will target the red color and be more apt to eat the whole bait instead of just the tail end of it. Its more of a confidence thing for me as well. I'm very adament about changing hooks on my rattle traps, and will even add those "sure set" hooks on the back of those baits to ensure a solid hookup that won't come unbuttoned.

Sort of a side note, but when VanDam won his tournament on Grand Lake this year in Oklahoma, he was cranking hard, rocky points. During the course of the DAY, he was changing his hooks to ensure that he was using sharp ones. Now this may be a little over the top, but when arguably one of best bass fisherman in the nation changes his hooks that often its obviously for a reason. So I do think it is important to change hooks.

[cjac]

Good topic.....

I do some, tried the red front hook on a few too, but I've made swap outs based more on quality than anything else.

This may be a bit of the muskie guy in me, but check those splits rings on hooks and lips too as long as you're at it. A split pulled apart leaves you with a sick feeling, trust me on this one!

Chris

[OLY]

I change the trebel hooks fairly often on the cranks that I use on pool 2 for walleyes, just because I am pounding wing dams year round with them and they really do get dull after a couple of outings. My cranks that I use for bass on the other hand always seem to be extremely sharp right out of the box. My number one choice is a fat free shad and I am not sure what brand of treble they have but I couldn't imagine finding a sharper hook then them. So I would say it depends on the brand and the situation regarding wether or not you should switch out the hooks. Although it certainly doesnt hurt to switch them to be safe it just might cost you some extra $$$

I looked into it and found out that the fat free shads come with excaliber tx3 hooks. So if your looking for a good treble it is the one I would suggest