I've lost some monster smallies the previous year on crankbaits.  I've lost them by the boat and during jumps/thrashing. 

I got the right equipment setup, 10 lb mono line w/7 ft med w/xfast tip rod.  I'm thinking about swapping out the hooks and replacing them with Mustad triple grip hooks. 

Anybody swap hooks and have seen a better hookup ratio?

Get a moderate action rod and a landing net.

A mod action rod will keep them glued to the hook.  If you push the rod tip into the water, you can keep them from jumping.

You are using the wrong rod.

Think about more about swapping your rod than about swapping the hooks.

Avid AVC70MM

8-)

Avid AVC70MM

8-)

I use that and the AVC70MHM for bigger cranks.

In addition to that, you might want to keep the tension in the line at all times during the fight. The big girls can throw off lures quite well. Triple grips are nice hooks, btw.

I agree with changing rods. I use the avid  AVC70MM with braid & loose few fish. The advice about using a net & burying the rod tip to prevent jumps will help as well. Everyone enjoys the jumps but to put that PB in the boat requires limiting the jumps if you can.