Crankbait hooks

I'm sure I dont use crankbaits as much as alot of the people on here (which is something I need to change) but when I do, I will sometimes change out the stock hooks for gamakatsus of the same size, or red hooks of the same size. I have also swapped out the stock hooks for the VMC sure set hooks ( http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...rClassCode=10&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse ) However, I dont like to change hook size most often on smaller crankbaits, like one of my favorites, the Rapala SR-5, because I noticed it changes the action too drastically.

As far as what size to put on, I hate to give such a vague answer but, it really depends on which bait your swapping on.

I do on my lipless crankbaits, but like Jared I don't fish with med to deep diving crankbaits.

For 1/2 ounce lipless cranks change out the hooks and put 2 #4 hooks. They come stock with a #4 in the front and a #6 in the back. Adding a bigger hook to the back will help you land more fish. I prefer Owner treble hooks or even Mustad hooks. I like the triple grip but dang they sure are thin wired and bend easily. So I quit using those.

A while back it seemed like everyone I spoke to was removing the rear hooks on their lipless crankbaits and leaving it off. This supposedly made it more weedless. I dont know about yall but I'd rather catch a few more weeds because I had a rear hook than miss a nice fish because I didn't have that rear hook.

About fifteen years ago I was stuck on the lipless crankbaits bad. During a early tourney I had a toad on, a big ole sow I got her all the way to the boat and when I looked to see how good she was hooked she opened her mouth and the bait came out. She had that bait pinched in her mouth with out a hook stuck in he. I have never forgot that and I haven't fished the bait as much as I should.

LakeCityYankee said:

A while back it seemed like everyone I spoke to was removing the rear hooks on their lipless crankbaits and leaving it off. This supposedly made it more weedless. I dont know about yall but I'd rather catch a few more weeds because I had a rear hook than miss a nice fish because I didn't have that rear hook.

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I have heard this also Jared but like you I am afraid to do this. What they do is put a #2 hook on the belly with no hook on the back. I have caught many a fish on the back hook and can't imagine how this supposedly helps hook ups by removing the back hook. That is the real reason they do this I am told.

Another trick I have actually done before is to cut off one of the hook shanks on the front treble. Cut off the one that points down with the other 2 should lay almost flat against the body. Doing this will help you not catch as much grass either. I have done this with minimal sucess. So I typically do not cut off the shank on the front treble and just violently rip the bait out of the grass which keeps most of the grass off anyway..

Another trick I have actually done before is to cut off one of the hook shanks on the front treble.

This keeps your line from fouling the plug also.

KeithsCatch said:

violently rip the bait out of the grass which keeps most of the grass off anyway..

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theres a very good reason why I dont like cutting the front hook off the treble. Ripping the bait from the grass when it first hangs is an AMAZING bite trigger! When Santee was loaded with Hydrilla doing exactly that was a VERY productive technique. I'm sure the same technique must work all over where there is submerged grass and a lipless bait is being tossed.

VMC makes a full line of premium and replacement treble hooks for crank baits. The older crank baits had either standard Mustad or Eagleclaw hooks and they should be replaced. The newer crank baits have up graded hooks and you only need to change them if you want a different style or size. My preference is a white colored rear treble with a red colored front treble and run a size up as long as the lure action is good. The exception is jerk baits and Rapalas and use the same size hooks as supplied with the lure. I use Gamakatsu trebles on swim baits.
Tom

Thanks for everyones response! This information is much appreciated! :thumbup01:

David