I've got some older baits that I want to replace the hooks on. Some Pop R's, Redfins, and various crank baits. Is there any real advantage to going with a EWG hook? If I go with EWG hooks will there be a chance that they will change the action of the bait? I obviously want to avoid that. I plan on going with Gamakatsu hooks.

Short shanks!

I don't care for EWG hooks or sure set hooks.  I replace with a 4x hook, Eagle Claws work as well any others I've used.

On the Red Fin you'll want a # 2 feathered on the back and either a 4 or 6 on the front.

I like regular old Gamakatsu round bend trebles. Mustad Triple Grip Short shank ultra points are very good too, as are owners.

What you need to worry about are baits like jerkbaits and topwaters  because hooks with too much weight will cause a change in action. EWG hooks are a good call for baits the fish is normally going to grab, certain cranks that get chocked are good ones for EWG trebles as they have excellent holding power. For topwaters, and jerkbaits a round bend is better and that is because the hook points are out instead of in like the EWG, it lets you at least get a hook into fish that are just swiping at the bait which happens on jerkbaits and topwaters a lot.

I always always like round bend hooks on hardbaits. Gamakatsus upto size 2, Owner ST-36s for larger hooks.

 

Matt Allen did a rather elaborate video on exactly what the above post talks about, and a lot more. Check it out.

I use inexpensive VMC round bend  or inexpensive mustad round bend.  The only time I use something different is when the bait needs a short shank to keep the trebles from tangling together . 

 

Inexpensive doesnt mean cheap. They are good hooks .

On the Red Fin you'll want a # 2 feathered on the back and either a 4 or 6 on the front.

Thanks for that info. I was just trying to find the hook sizes. :-)

Great info guys! Thank you!

VMC makes good quality / cost effective treble hooks as does Diachi .

I personally only like to use EWG trebels on rattle traps (or baits that typically get engulfed). Anything else I prefer a standard round bend hook. With the design of an EWG, the bend sticks out further than what the point does, so if a fish just slaps at a bait, I don't have as good of a chance as grabbing the fish and getting a good hookup on it. Hopefully this makes sense to you. 

I use VMC sort shank trebles on my Pop-Rs. They are very good quality and they are not too expensive.

Most of my hard baits get mustad triple grips.