Treble hook advice for crankbaits ?

[kyron4]

How sharp should your hooks be ? I always go with the fingernail test; if it catches the nail when drag across it's sharp enough, right ? I bought some Mustad trebles and had to more or less hit them all with a fine dimond hone to get that sticky sharpness. Now I know alot of people frown on this, but what's the lesser evil, hitting the tips with a hone or useing as is ? Being on a tight buget and loseing alot of lures and hooks to rocks and snags I can't always afford Gamakatsu and Owners like some. I don't notice any difference in hook ups .Any advice or input ?

[roadwarrior]

Many premium hooks are chemically sharpened.

Owners have a triple-edged cutting blade:

http://www.ownerhooks.com.au/ownerhooks.html

Sharpening these hooks is counterproductive.

It tends to destroy the physical integrity of the

hook point.

Dull, broken or rolled tips require replacement.

8-)

[The Rooster]

I always use the stock hooks on baits but the ones I have bought have just had the bronze hooks on them mostly, except for the newer baits I have from Rapala and XCalibur that have VMC hooks on them. Might start changing some of the "plain" hooks out this season but so far what I've always done is hone them on a diamond stone too, and it has seemed to help. I hone them until they're like a needle. Not just scratching the nail but actually cutting a groove when dragged across my nails. This sharpness doesn't maintain itself just laying in a tacklebox though, seems like oxidation of being exposed to air makes them dull some after a while. I'll typically hit them just prior to using them or maybe do a few the night before a trip.

[J Francho]

I prefer to replace with Owner ST-31 or VMC Inline Eye.  For crankbaits, its just much easier to replace before you hit the water.  If you have a hot bite on one bait, and the hooks get dull, sharpen away to keep fishing.  When you get home, replace.

[A-Rob]

I often switch any treble that doesn't catch my skin when I gently slide my finger over it, any 'slippery' feeling is dull in my books and I will replace.

I also hate when the hooks rust!

VMC are the ones I'm using....sure sets for this season.

[midnighthrasher]

Owner st-41

[jb7725]

looks like i need to check out these owner hooks and swap them on my cranks

[Luke at Gouldsboro]

I usually replace the hooks when they get dull, but if I'm on the water, and it gets dull, I'll make no more than 5 passes on a sharpener. I've had times where I sharpened to the point where the point broke, then you have to replace the hook. When sharpening remember less in more. Don't do too much all at once.

[etommy28]

I would say invest in some either basstar or Mittatchii trebles. they are the best I have tried and tend to hook every thing that bites.

[river-rat]

I have had good success with the Gamakatsu EWG or round bend trebles and the Mustad Triple Grip (black nickel) on all my crankbaits and topwaters.

These brands are easier to purchase locally than the Owner's.

[BassnMan Mike]

Daiichi Bleeding Bait or Death Trap treble hooks are so sharp if you look at them wrong they will hook you, HA!