Changing treble hooks

[Vinny Chase]

I haven't really gotten into changing hooks, but have had a few fish spit the hook lately. I have heard good things about the owner stingers, but i have wondering what you guys do for sizes? Red or black?

Also are size 4 hooks standard on cranks?

Thanks,

VC

[BASSclary]

Always try to match the hook size with the hooks that came standard on your cranks. Then they should run identical to the way they were ment, the manufacturers most likely spent some time playing around with hook sizes so don't shy from them.

As for red or black, go with red. Some people say they produce more, some say they produce the same. I have no preference on hook color but If I can get red I will. It cant hurt to have red hooks but sometimes it will hurt to not have red ones IMO.

[Jake.]

Black Owner ST36 trebles. Red trebles loose their color quickly and are unnecessary IMO. Sizes 4 and 6 are what I normally use. Occasionally I'll use size 2 for very big baits and size 8 for very small ones.

[brushhoggin]

i prefer a bigger hook for the front treble. i replace my most productive cranks hooks with black chrome stingers i agree the red doesn't help or hinder

[flippin and pitchin]

Black Owner ST36 trebles. Red trebles loose their color quickly and are unnecessary IMO. Sizes 4 and 6 are what I normally use. Occasionally I'll use size 2 for very big baits and size 8 for very small ones.

X2 here

[Big Bait Fishing]

i change out my stock crankbait and swimbait hooks with Owner ST-41's . the ST-36's are very good but the ST-41's are the best treble hook made . i have them on all my Red eye shads and deep diving cranks , there is no hook set required with these hooks , just reel em' in when you feel them hit your bait

btw , i have never used red hooks , why would i ??? ;D

[florida strain]

I use 4's mostly.

[bmadd]

Hook sizes vary a lot. Your most common all around size is probably a 4, maybe a 6. I've noticed that you have been using deep cranks a lot here lately. Most deep cranks use size 2. It would help a lot to know which baits you are talking about.

As for hook brands and color, I really like Owner Stingers in black chrome. I have some Mustad KVD Elite trebles to try. They look promising. I'm not a big believer in red trebles but I know some people that are. We both catch fish so I really think it's personal preference.

[BlaineFred]

I was putting new trebles on some Bass Pro Shops XPS cranks...not bad lures, but they really need better trebles.

I noted that the "stock" trebles appeared to be # 5...and # 5 trebles are not that plentiful.   So I put the bigger # 4's on the front of the lure, and the smaller # 6's on the tail.

Actually, VMC sells a #5 treble, and they appear to be the only brand that i could find.

I don't especially like the Mustad Kevin Van Dam Triple Grips with the barb pointing inwards.  I believe that some fish could be lost that way.   Mustad is one KVD's sponsors, so his promoting them is understandable.

[bmadd]

I don't especially like the Mustad Kevin Van Dam Triple Grips with the barb pointing inwards. I believe that some fish could be lost that way. Mustad is one KVD's sponsors, so his promoting them is understandable.

KVD isn't just promoting them, he had a hand in designing them. Those hooks aid in keeping a fish hooked and they don't have a problem hooking fish. In this year's Classic and in his win at Kentucky Lake, he brought in several fish that were hooked in the back, not the mouth. I think if they will hook a fish in the back that slashes at the bait, surely they will hook the fish that inhale the bait.

[Vinny Chase]

Hook sizes vary a lot. Your most common all around size is probably a 4, maybe a 6. I've noticed that you have been using deep cranks a lot here lately. Most deep cranks use size 2. It would help a lot to know which baits you are talking about.

As for hook brands and color, I really like Owner Stingers in black chrome. I have some Mustad KVD Elite trebles to try. They look promising. I'm not a big believer in red trebles but I know some people that are. We both catch fish so I really think it's personal preference.

I like my sureset hooks on my DT's so im not going to replace those, but i am looking to replace all my Norman deep little N's and DD series.

[NorcalBassin]

Big fan of the KVD's. Prefer red up front when possible.

[Big Bait Fishing]

I was putting new trebles on some Bass Pro Shops XPS cranks...not bad lures, but they really need better trebles.

I noted that the "stock" trebles appeared to be # 5...and # 5 trebles are not that plentiful. So I put the bigger # 4's on the front of the lure, and the smaller # 6's on the tail.

Actually, VMC sells a #5 treble, and they appear to be the only brand that i could find.

I don't especially like the Mustad Kevin Van Dam Triple Grips with the barb pointing inwards. I believe that some fish could be lost that way. Mustad is one KVD's sponsors, so his promoting them is understandable.

Owner is coming out with a size 5 st-36 stinger hook . they announced it at ICAST 

[ww2farmer]

I have been replacing every thing with the Mustad KVD's latley. The seem to stick and hold just about anything that even looks at your bait, they stay sharp, don't bend or flex, and I the shorter shank so I can upsize hooks on baits.

As far as what size's I use, it varies by bait here are a few examples:

Bandit's or Strike King series 1's or 3's #6's

Strike King series 4 or 4S, Red Eye Shads or Rapala DT Fat 3's #2 on the front, #4 on the back

SK Series 5,6, or 6XD get a#2's both on the back and a 1/0 on the front

[Puma Jim]

I am a big believer in red hooks on the front. They do wear out the paint but I use that as a reminder to change hooks so they are always sharp. I notice the bass take the front hook much better if it is red. It certainly can not hurt. Also, you can't go wrong with Texas Tackly split ring pliers for changing hooks out. Love those pliers and Cabelas has them.

[J Francho]

I have been replacing every thing with the Mustad KVD's latley.

Great, there's a third nod from a trusted source on those hooks. Looks like a big purchase is in order.

I've been using ST-36's to replace crap stock hooks and replacing good hooks that wear out. I use the ST-41's for salmonoid and esox species, but find they tear too much flesh for liking in bass. Hasn't been a problem, but just my preference.

[bmadd]

Tin's a big believer in those KVD hooks. He's the one who convinced me to try them.

[Vinny Chase]

So i guess i cant go wrong with either the stingers of the KVDs