Changing Treble Hooks

[Chris186]

Do you guys change your trebles on cranks and such as soon as you buy them? Or do you use what comes on there for a while then change them out after? What type of replacement hooks are you using?

[tbone1993]

If they look cheap I change them. Generally on any expensive bair (spro baits, megabass, lucky craft etc) I keep the trebles on out of box. If they look and feel cheap I change them.

[Brocephus Fishing]

I tend to rub my finger across them just enough where I won't get stuck/cut/pricked/etc. to see how "sticky sharp" they are, but I can mostly tell the quality of the hook right out of the package based on looks. Generally, as mentioned by tbone1993, the more expensive baits have a sharper hook on them and don't need replacing. If I feel the need to replace I replace them and run the bait through the water to be sure it's maintaining whatever bouyancy it has and that it still runs true (replacing with the wrong size or weight can cause the bait to not run true). However, if they do need to be replaced I typically use VMC and Owner brand trebles.

 

One thing to consider is replacing the line tie split ring with an oval split ring.

[Bluebasser86]

If they have good hooks I don't but very few baits have good stock hooks IMO. I change mine out with Owner ST 36s. 

[SirSnookalot]

Only a few lures come to mind that I change hooks right away (split rings too), 2 I use in freshwater and 1 I use in salt.  Other than that stock hooks are fine.   I use nothing but 4x Eagle Claw in freshwater and VMC 4x for salt.  I have used Eagle Claw circle hooks for amberjack, no problem on them not being strong enough. 

[Fishes in trees]

For the most part, I don't mess with the hooks on new baits, if in the course of fishing a bait I tear up a hook or it gets bent or whatnot, then I will replace it.  It seems to me that most crank bait trebles are either size 4 or size 6.   Anyway, I generally bring the bait with me and go to Rogers and get the treble hook they tell me to get, or something similar if they want me to buy the real expensive trebles and I don't feel like it that day.

[ww2farmer]

I fish Strike King hard baits almost exclusively, and EVERY ONE of them gets the stock hooks changed to Mustad KVD Elite 1x strong, 2x short triple grips. The stock hooks are OK, but since I use braid, they are not stout enough for my liking.

[Senko lover]

If it's a BPS bait. Their hooks plain out suck.

[HoosierHawgs]

If they look cheap I change them. Generally on any expensive bair (spro baits, megabass, lucky craft etc) I keep the trebles on out of box. If they look and feel cheap I change them.

This is what I do.

[WIGuide]

If they aren't sharp out of the pack, I'll switch them. If they are I'll fish with it for a bit and see if they need to be upgraded. You should know pretty quick if they do or not. 

[Angry John]

I also do a quick visual. The SK xd baits seem to have decent hooks. I find some people are very particular, I am more open.

[fisherrw]

I fish Strike King hard baits almost exclusively, and EVERY ONE of them gets the stock hooks changed to Mustad KVD Elite 1x strong, 2x short triple grips. The stock hooks are OK, but since I use braid, they are not stout enough for my liking.

same here exept I use VMC