Replacing Factory Hooks on a lure

[Mike 12345]

Hi folks, new guy here-

Having read a million articles in mags, and searching the websites, I see conflicting info on replacing the factory hooks on lures with 'quality' ones like Gamakatsu. I don't question any brand on quality on this question, but really, the factory hooks seem pretty darn sharp to me.  I have not lost a fish (that I know of) on a factory hook.  I guess my question is, is there a real reason I should spend the $$ and the precious spare time that I have meticulously replacing all my treble hooks with new ones?  I am a weekend warrior, not a tourney fisherman.  I just keep hearing people say 'it will be one of my biggest mistakes', and I'm starting to get a complex... :-?

[fishhawk]

Welcome, I'm real new to the site too, but not new to the sport. Many of the lures on the market today come with high quality hooks that don't need changed. The package or the website of each should tout the brand of hook they use if it is high quality. If you don't fish for money and fame don't change the cheapies but when the fish of a lifetime gets off remember this day!

[Terry_]

Welcome aboard!

    In my opinion, not all original hooks are bad. Some ,however, are really bad. They may feel sharp, but they won't last. Adding aftermarket hooks is simply a good way to insure good hooksets when it counts. Not only is sharpness and quality an issue, but I find that I often change out hook sizes as well.

[Pond Hopper]

Do it on any strike king hooks, had a nice fish break a hook off a crankbait this weekend after catching only one fish on a new bait.  Broke one of the back treble hooks off and left a bad taste in my mouth.

[cbfishalot]

Welcome Aboard

It all depends on the hooks that the bait comes with. For example Lucky Craft hooks do not need replaced but others might. Alot of the baits are coming out of the package with better hooks now then in the past. This lets the company charge more and increase the profits. However, any hook should be replaced if bent, dull, or damaged. You never want to lose a good fish because your to lazy or cheap to replace your hooks or spend a extra 50 cents. IMHO

KVD says that one of the biggest mistakes that anglers make is that the don't change or replace there hooks enough.

[Olebiker]

I have a box full of 1/4 and 1/2 oz RatLTraps.  What size hooks should I use to replace them?

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should do what you want , if you think the hooks are already sharp enough on the baits you buy , by all means don't waste your money to upgrade.

There are differant levels of passion and from your statements you have a lower level of excitment for the sport. Spend your hard earned money on something that lights your fire.

[Grey Wolf]

I have a box full of 1/4 and 1/2 oz RatLTraps. What size hooks should I use to replace them?

1/4 oz--size 4

1/2 oz--size 2

[smallieking]

yea the only ones i change are the hooks on the bill lewis Rat-L trap  they suck   but other than that you are safe keeping factory hooks on baits   all the articles u read are sponsored by those hook companies just trying to get your money  

[Just_Old_Fisherman]

I use the thumb nail test.  If the hook does not hang in my thumb nail when I drag the point across it, it is dull and is replaced.  I have had good luck with the Triple Grips and they are cheaper than the Gammy which I used before.

[rondef]

I replace my treble hooks with Gamakatzu right after I buy them because I do not want to loose the fish of a lifetime.  I had lost many LMBs before I started replacing the treble hooks.  I have only lost one fish since then and that was trying to set the hooks to early.