Replacing Trebles

[NWI-Bassin']

What hooks do you guys use to replace the stock ones on lipless cranks & lipped cranks. Sizes of hooks included as well.

Thanks !

[papajoe222]

Wide range of possibilities here, so I'll give you a general answer.  First off, remember that changing out hooks can effect the bait's performance.  Second, use the best hooks you can afford. Third, change the split rings if they show any signs of rust, or failure to close completely and be sure the shanks of the hooks aren't so long that they tangle with the other treble. 

I prefer trebles with a little inward bend at the point. Not the point itself, but the gap smaller than the bend.  IMO it makes it harder for the bait to come unbuttoned from the fish.

[Jrob78]

I use Gamakatsu EWG's, Gamakatsu Round bend short shanks, Mustad KVD Triple Grips and Owner ST 36's, they all have their place.  I use sizes from 6-1 on crankbaits and lipless cranks.  I like round bends on some baits like topwaters and short shank hooks on sq bills and lipless cranks.  I use the largest sized hooks that won't tangle together.  Be careful changing hooks on suspending jerkbaits as they will alter the way the bait suspends.

[BobP]

One popular change is to go one size larger than stock and use a short shank treble hook like the Mustad KVD or the VMC short shank trebles.  The shorter hook shanks allow you to move one size up without the hooks tangling.  For instance, most 1/2 oz lipless cranks use size 4 trebles.  You can upsize to # 2 short shanks.  The Mustad KVD's have the hook points bent inward like papajoe mentioned, which helps to keep fish buttoned.  Most bass crankbaits come with either #6, #4, or #2 treble hooks.  I keep a variety of trebles on hand because I like to upsize hooks on some crankbaits and want to put better quality hooks on other models.  My favorite 'standard' hook is the Gamakatsu Round Bend.

[RyneB]

kvd triple grips for me. I would try other brands, but the Wal Mart close to me carries Triple Grips, so thats what i use. Havent had any negatives. I use sizes 2-6 on various sized baits.

[Marty]

There are numerous good brands out there and I've used a number of them based on what the local stores were carrying at any given time. I've used the round bend style without knowing why I preferred them. I've generally used the same sizes as were on the original lures, but lots of folks go up one size.

[mcipinkie]

I like the VMC 9651 trebles.  1x wire, short shank.  Tried the KVD's and the Triple Grips and didn't like.  I go up at least one size above factory on almost everything. Two sizes on some baits. You can order directly from VMC/Rapala in 25 packs for a lot less than the other store's prices.  If you want some serious quantities, Captain Hook has in lots of 100 or more.

[NWI-Bassin']

I realized all of my treble lures have stock hooks and they break easy and get snagged on each other. They're all very low quality and I want to upgrade for this spring.

[iabass8]

Im a big fan of gammy round bends for jerkbaits and topwaters and kvd ss ewg 3x for squarebills and lipless baits

[BobP]

Very few U.S. crankbait manufacturers put highest quality trebles on their baits.  I fish them while they're still sharp but trade them out for Gamakatsu round bends pretty quickly.  Gamy's are tempered harder than the run of the mill so they stay sharp much longer and will not bend out as easily as "stock" hooks.  There are other excellent brands from Japan, like Owner, but the Gamy's are easy to find in most areas.  I think Mustads are getting better in their higher end trebles like the KVD Short Shank but Gamakatsu is hard to beat for quality across the whole line of hooks.    

[Bluebasser86]

VMC inlines or short shanks depending on the bait.