Upgrading Treble Hooks, help

[NiX]

I want to upgrade treble hooks on my crankbaits and jerkbaits. Is there a universal size of hooks that I can buy in bulk that will work fine? Also how do I choose what size will work best? Is it personal preference?

 

The lures I am wanting to replace trebles on will be my Strike King Lipless Red-Eye Shads, Megabass Vision 110's, and 90 and 130 Whopper Ploppers.

I've never switched out treble hooks before so any info on doing this is helpful, thanks.

[ww2farmer]

I can't help you on the Megabass baits or the Whopper Ploppers, but on the Strike King Red Eye shads, I can.

 

Replace both the front and back treble hooks with Mustad KVD 2x short, 1x strong, Elite triple grips or Gamakatsu 2x short EWG "magic eye" hooks. I have been using more and more of the Gamakatsu hooks lately, and find them to be a better hook than the Mustad. The Mustads are a good hook, and a little less $$ if that matters to you.

 

#2's on 3/4 oz baits

 

#4's on 1/2 oz baits

 

#6's on 1/4 oz baits

 

Some guys will up-size the front hooks 1 size..for example, on the 1/2 oz bait, a #2 on the front and a #4 on the rear. I have done this before, saw no advantages to doing so, and just stick with the same sizes on both the front and back. The good thing is, the Red Eye Shad is one bait that if you do so choose to up-size hooks on, it doesn't neg. effect the performance of the bait. You have to be picky when doing so, as on some other brands of baits if might.

[hawgenvy]

You'll want to match the original size in most cases.

 

I'm admittedly not much of an expert on treble hooks as I mainly fish soft plastics here in Florida. I do use Megabass Vision 110s and their original hooks are flimsy but so sticky sharp that I try not to switch them out until bent or dull. Then I put on size 6 "Gamakatsu Triple EWG Short Shank Magic Eye" hooks which have worked well and have maintained the proper fore-aft balance and suspending ability in those jerkbaits. Those factors are especially important in jerkbaits.

 

For lipless cranks I usually upgrade and sometimes upsize. Consider size 4 "Mustad KVD Elite Triple Grip Treble 1x Strong." That's what I've been putting on the LiveTarget lipless cranks I use most often. Dont know whether you should change out the Red-eye Shad hooks before they get bent or dull, but these Mustads should work.

 

Don't know about the WP, but I have been thinking about changing the hooks on the three I own. Hopefully you'll get some more knowledgeable replies, so I'll stay tuned as well.

 

 

[tander]

I upgraded the most used cranks to Mustad KVD Elite. I kept the same hook on the back annd went with a size up on the front.

[38 Super Fan]

You'll need to stick with the original sizes, or close to it. There are lots of brands of replacement trebles out there. I like Gamakatsu bulk packs, great hooks, and fairly reasonable on price. Mustad Ultra Points are very good, but very expensive.

 

For a good quality pack of trebles that won't break the bank, the Fletcher Shryock hooks you can buy at Wal-Mart are hard to beat.

 

Also, invest in a good set of split ring pliers if you haven't already.

[deep]

I won't mess with the vision 110 hooks (or even the split rings). Size 6 katsuage outbarbs.

[MDbassin]

I also like the kvd mustad short shank triple grip (or whatever long fancy technical name they are giving hooks these days). I bought packs in bulk when ever I found a sale. 

 

I will say tho my work crankbaits come stock with gamakatsu trebles and to be honest when ever I run out of the mustads I will be switching to gamakatsu.

 

Nothing wrong with the mustads I just like the gamakatsu more. Should of known since gamakatsu is already my go to hook for everything other type

[NHBull]

I have had back luck with the kvd mustad......the quality (imho) is not as nearly as good as the Gammy's and owners.  For what you mentioned, I use the owner 36's and 35's

[NiX]

Good info guys, looks like i'll wear out my hooks before swapping em out, accept on my strike-kings lol