When replacing factory hooks on crankbaits what size and brand/type does everyone use?  Has anyone ever found a need to replace hooks on a Lucky Craft crank out of the box?

Replacing hooks on LC lures is actually maybe a little extreme. They come great out of the box for me, I have never lost a fish or had one shake free, once hooked into a LC lure.

But if you feel more confident replacing hooks, I would go with Gammy' impo.

hope this helps -WM

A lot of baits come with decent hooks nowadays but, if I do change them, say on Traps, I use Excalibers. These are excellent trebles.

I agree, LC already comes with great hooks and the lure is tuned with the size they come with.

If you do feel the need to replace the factory hooks on any lure, the first thing I think about is how and will this change affect the action of the lure. Normally with cranks, this is a real concern. Therefore, I have found that if I use a light wire treble, like Excalibur's, I don't see much of a change if I want to increase the size of the hook(s) and I like these hooks. I like them because their very sharp out of the package, I can sharpen is necessary after use, I rarely loose a fish on then once she's hooked up and I like the idea of the rotating bends.

Hooks are a very personal thing, so look around and don't be afraid to test out the changes made in you buddies pool or your sink. LOL

Good fishing

Wayne

DO NOT replace the VMC hooks that come on Lucky Craft lures, they are fine.

About the only lures I change them on anymore are Rat-L-Traps, and Jitterbugs. I find that the Rapala's, Bandit's, Bombers, and Mann's  hardbaits I use come with decent hooks out of the box. They only get changed when bent/dull. I see Rat-L-Traps are offering now beeing offerd in a new series with better hooks, I'll probably take a look at these when I need some new ones. I usualy replace hooks with Gamakatsu trebels, regular gap, red on front, unpainted on back. HTH.

Daiichi death trap hooks are what I use.

Allen

I do change some of the Lucky Craft hooks but replace them with Lucky Craft red treble hooks (you can get any size treble from Northern Bass Supply). I think Lucky Craft has the best trebles on crank baits. I also like to replace the rear treble with a feathered treble like the chartreuse from Barlows Tackle or the  firetiger Matzuo dressed treble from Northern Bass Supply. I think rear dressed trebles make a difference IMO.

I figured the LC hooks are fine.  Im mainly lookng at replacing some on my ratltraps and older cranks where the hooks have become dull and no longer useful.

Gotta be different.

I replace ALL hooks that come on LC's.  Only because I have lost fish on them on more than one occasion (3 keepers in one tourney on a RC 1.5, yet landed a 4 pounder after changing out to TX3s that same tourney).  But to each their own.  Some people have great luck with those same hooks... just not me, so I change.  Gammy rounds and EWGs are also very good replacement hooks.

About the only lures I change them on anymore are Rat-L-Traps, and Jitterbugs. I find that the Rapala's, Bandit's, Bombers, and Mann's  hardbaits I use come with decent hooks out of the box. They only get changed when bent/dull. I see Rat-L-Traps are offering now beeing offerd in a new series with better hooks, I'll probably take a look at these when I need some new ones. I usualy replace hooks with Gamakatsu trebels, regular gap, red on front, unpainted on back. HTH.

Fully agree with this. I replace mine with Gammy red trebles. I don't think it helps me catch more fish, but with the red trebles I'm always aware of where the hooks are when I'm getting the bait out the fishes mouth so as not to hook myself.