Replacing hooks on suspending jerkbaits

[Skeeloco]

Was throwing a Flash Pointer 100 SP a few weeks ago, got a massive hit from what could have been a new PB smallie. Was on for a second and reeled it in only to find one of the hooks on the middle treble bent sideways ?. I'd like to replace but how difficult will it be to get hooks on there that keep it suspending? They'd need to be the exact same weight as VMC #8. Can it be done? 

[Crestliner2008]

Try replacing all your trebles with a 1/0 (or larger if that gives you more confidence) VMC INLINE single hook with a quality (Spro) split ring to match. Will increase your hook up ratio and besides what the perception may be, it will have a minimal (if any) effect on the bait's suspension. If it does, a small amount of fine solder wrapped around the shank will take care of the problem, depending on water temperature. Don't use suspend dots! Those will alter the wobble during suspension. Critical! Only weight the hooks.

 

The gap on these hooks is really great for good hookups and they won't break. I even crimp down the barbs which adds to my safety.

[Bluebasser86]

Get a digital kitchen scale and weight the hooks to get the best results. 

 

I swap most of mine to the same size Owner ST-36 trebles and they'll stay close to where they were suspending before.

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Skeeloco said:

Was throwing a Flash Pointer 100 SP a few weeks ago, got a massive hit from what could have been a new PB smallie. Was on for a second and reeled it in only to find one of the hooks on the middle treble bent sideways ?. I'd like to replace but how difficult will it be to get hooks on there that keep it suspending? They'd need to be the exact same weight as VMC #8. Can it be done? 

 Sorry you lost a solid one - but THIS is why I change out ALL my stock trebles on most every bait that has them.

While it certainly can not guarantee hook-ups of Personal Bests, I have not yet had any of the after market trebles I up grade to bend out on a strike. 

I use these  . . . . 

Gamakatsu Magic eye EWG 

Mustad 1x strong 2x short EWG 

Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Nano Finesse Treble Hook 

And I'll be trying the Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Finesse Treble Hook MH this season.

Size depends on the bait but #4 is used often.

A-Jay

[Boomstick]

I will be the first to admit that I have been quite lazy about replacing hooks proactively, but the Owner ST-36 and ST-41s are good hooks. I am contemplating trying STX-38s next year, which are the weight of a ST-36 but supposed to be stronger..

[IndianaFinesse]

Gamakatsu nano finesse hooks go on most of my smaller hardbaits and ALL of my jerkbaits, it's sharpest and has the best strength to weigh ratio of any treble I've used.  They're a little lighter than other similar sized hooks, so I'd go with #5s