changing hooks?

[soccplayer07]

Hello all.  I am interested in changing out some hooks on a few of my cranks. I tried searching but didn't really find much. Any advice or tips on hook selection including size and brand. Thanks.

[Stasher1]

I just bought a couple of these...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0030351119787a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCHFEAT_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=rapala+hooks&Ntk=Products&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&selectedPerPage=36&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

and matched up the hook sizes.

[NYfishwow]

i agree with what you said stasher1, i like buy some of those nice hooks.

[soccplayer07]

if you do not buy a combo pack like the one listed is there an easy way to find out the size I need?

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

Can we make changing hooks on cranks a sticky?  :

[noway]

Can't go wrong with # 6 Owners.

[Jake.]

Can't go wrong with # 6 Owners.

x2

Also #4s for larger baits.

[TeamBerettaGold]

Can't go wrong with # 6 Owners.

x3

[BassnMan Mike]

For me its only the finest, Daiichi Death Trap Treble's.

One trick I ALWAYS do is to off set the points from center, remember the Excaliber Rotating Treble's? While I do get hung up more often I also get more hook ups.

EDIT:

As others have said, replace hooks with the same size it came with.

[Big Tom]

I always stay with the size that came on the cranks originally.  Maybe I am missing out but I figured they are on there for a reason.

I use Gamakatsu Round Bends.  They are sticky sharp and pretty easy to find.  It seems that most cranks use a size 4 treble.  Smaller cranks use size 6's while deep divers usually come equipped with 2's.  

I recently installed Mustad Triple Grips on my topwaters and they seem very nice as well.

[Hammer 4]

I just replaced all of mine with gammies..

[shootermcbob]

I can't speak for all companies, but Rapala has each lure listed with the correct hook size listed on their website.

[moloch16]

In summary, you want a quality name brand such as Gamakatsu, and you'll want a package each of size 2, size 4, and size 6.  These sizes will cover 99% of your cranks.

[CWB]

Don't forget that even some new hooks are not always sharp.

Stick it into you thumbnail and if it penetrates without too much pressure you're good to go. Don't push too hard or you'll be in pain and bleeding If a hook does not pass this test I use a stone, not a file to hone the point. I work for a machine shop so I have access to them

and do it at lunchtime.

http://metalworking.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNPDFF?PMPAGE=1629&PARTPG=MWSRCH&PMITEM=00578005&PMCTLG=54&PMT4TP=*LTIP

I use style EE in medium. Files remove too much and shorten the life of the hook. Unless the tip is bent over or broke off, you can sharpen it as good or better than new. I check all hooks on every lure I buy.

[MALTESE FALCON]

I use VMC, or XCalibur Tx3 offsets. I always replace with the same size hooks that came from the factory.

Falcon

[OnthePotomac]

Soccerplayer, if you want a real in depth primer on changing treble hooks on crankbaits, read this interview with Kevin VanDam on the subject.

http://www.insideline.net/weeklynews/2008/08-0702.html