Crank Bait Hooks

[*Hootie]

Just finished reading an article in the Jan. issue of Bassmaster by KVD about swapping the hooks out on new crankbaits. If the hooks are no good, then why don’t they put the good hooks on in the first place? I don’t mind paying an extra dollar for the bait. Actually that’s about what it costs to buy the better hooks anyhow. Just wondering.

Hootie

[Bass Junkie]

Because the manufacturer wants to save money. They want to be able to produce a product that the consumer wants to purchase at a price that will cover all costs and make them a decent profit while still retaining the selling ability of the bait to the consumer. Therefore, by buying cheaper hooks in bulk they can save significant money as opposed to using better quality hooks. The hooks found on most baits will suffice for weekend angling, and with a file they can serve you decently. But the pros, fishing for their living, aren't taking any chances. Neither would I. Incidentally, there is a prime example of this in one of the recent Day-On-The-Lakes in Bassmaster Magazine.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Yep as bassjunkie said its all about cost and price point. .. they probably sell allot more product having a cheaper price tag on it.

[J Francho]

I've mostly stopped buying baits with crummy stock hooks. If they cut a corner there for a buck, then where else have they cut a corner that I can't easily see.

[Craiger12]

  On 12/20/2011 at 6:32 PM, J Francho said:

I've mostly stopped buying baits with crummy stock hooks. If they cut a corner there for a buck, then where else have they cut a corner that I can't easily see.

What hardbait companies do find use quality hooks? I know Strike King is notorious for using bad hooks, but they make some good baits otherwise. I have gotten into the habit of changing out the trebles on all SK baits and on others as well if they don't pass the eye test.

[J Francho]

Spro

Koppers

Lucky Craft

Duo

Megabass

[Bass Junkie]

  On 12/20/2011 at 7:39 PM, J Francho said:

Spro

Koppers

Lucky Craft

Duo

Megabass

Its cheaper to switch the hooks....

[J Francho]

So, you prefer spending $9 on a Rapala that will have the bill separate on a fish after you've spent the time and money to change out the hooks, or spend $12 on a bait that you fish out of the box? I don't understand. Let me put into better perspective....I see guys posting on here about video games all the time, and then say it's outrageous to spend $40 on a swimbait. Blows my mind.

[Bass Junkie]

I meant the above comment completely in jest, hence the smiley face.... I have no doubt in my mind that any of the lures you mentioned are superior to a Rapala, especially since I have owned and fished three out of the five you mentioned. They are all better than Rapalas, not to mention Bandits, Normans, or any other of the mainstream lures that you'd care to mention. I underlined the Megabass simply because you can get two Lucky Crafts for almost the same price as one Megabass. And yes, the video games are outrageous. Its all in their idea of priorities... Each to his own, but you do have a scarily correct point...

[J Francho]

Megabass Vision 110 is $25, whereas a LC Slender Pointer is $20. I agree, Megabass is more exotic, but only if you are looking at collector baits. For the most part, they are same as other high end hard baits.

[Fat-G]

  On 12/20/2011 at 8:24 PM, J Francho said:

So, you prefer spending $9 on a Rapala that will have the bill separate on a fish after you've spent the time and money to change out the hooks, or spend $12 on a bait that you fish out of the box? I don't understand. Let me put into better perspective....I see guys posting on here about video games all the time, and then say it's outrageous to spend $40 on a swimbait. Blows my mind.

Perfectly said John, perfectly said.

[J Francho]

Well, I did spend $11.8 million on a necklace....

[Bass Junkie]

  On 12/20/2011 at 8:59 PM, J Francho said:

Well, I did spend $11.8 million on a necklace....

Hopefully it was one that came with Black Ops codes or Madden 2012......

How exactly did that happen?

[NCLifetimer]

As others have said, profit is the reason behind cheap hooks.

Owner and Gamakatsu both make good replacement hooks that I've found sharper then most factory hooks. Buying a slightly more expensive bait with better hooks is preferred atleast by some, me included.

I personally like the hooks that are on Rapala lures and the lures in general, atleast the ones that are on the squarebill cranks and the deeper ones. Not as good as expensive replacement hooks, but still good IMO. Some of the Rapala lures aren't worth their weigh in scrap metal, but a certain crank bait series I've found at my local shop has served me well.

[Jigfishn10]

I'm guessing lures like Rebel, Heddon, Excalibur, Bomber and others use Excalibur hooks because Lurenet owns them. Rapala and Storm would have VMC hooks because Rapala owns them. I'm assuming it would be cheaper to use a product that you have price control over.

[J Francho]

Lucky Craft uses Daiichi sharpened inline VMCs. The inline hooks are a great replacement hook for good old baits like Warts that still have a lot of fish catching in them.