Well, a foul hook, but nice beastie nonetheless!

 

A catch is a catch!!

... because your baits have rusty hooks?

 

JK, nice fish!

... because your baits have rusty hooks?

 

JK, nice fish!

Don't worry I touch them up with a file so they are sticky, I do need some new ones though.

That's definitely a benefit to using a crankbait rod. When I'm not using a crankbait rod and my bait has treble hooks, I always back my drag way off. I've caught a lot of fish that I shouldn't by doing just that. Many times it's been a northern pike that's severely frayed my line. When you get them in the boat and unhooked, you put a amount of tension on the line and it snaps it reminds you why you do that too.  

Im sorry I'm new to rods and technical stuff but what is the advantage of a crankbait rod?

More forgiving when a fish surges which results in a higher landing percentage.

 

 

 

 

More forgiving when a fish surges which results in a higher landing percentage.

 

 

 

 

Thank you!!

Don't worry I touch them up with a file so they are sticky, I do need some new ones though.

 

+1. I get harassed by my buddy about rusty hooks once in a while. I have replacements, but as long as they hold a nice point after filing, I just hang on to them

... because your baits have rusty hooks?

 

JK, nice fish!

I am glad that I wasn't the only one with OCD that saw this. However, as CarlF states a lot of times the hooks can't look terrible but still be pretty sharp. I replace the trebles at first sign of rust though because I don't want my lures having rust spots on the paint (see first picture).  Lures are too expensive to ruin yourself, I let the fish do that for me. 

Agreed about the crankbait rod helping you land another nice one, but I'd be concerned about a chronically rusted hook breaking off on a nice fish even if the point is still sharp. Your avatar shows you catch some pigs... hate to lose one on a rusty hook.

Agreed about the crankbait rod helping you land another nice one, but I'd be concerned about a chronically rusted hook breaking off on a nice fish even if the point is still sharp. Your avatar shows you catch some pigs... hate to lose one on a rusty hook.

I can't bring myself to change hooks on a bait I know I'm gonna lose quickly. Anyone who fishes from the bank with crankbaits can relate. Lots of rocks and trees where I fish, and when they want a shad rap I'm showing them a shad rap even when it gets expensive   . I lost two shad raps in that outing.

I can't bring myself to change hooks on a bait I know I'm gonna lose quickly...

That makes sense but if your hooks are getting rusty that quickly you may just want to throw some anti-rust strips or even desiccant packets in your crankbait box to keep them from rusting before they inevitably fall prey to a rock or tree. Just my .02... you're catching a lot of fish so you're already doing the most important thing right.