So I have to admit, I've always been terrible with replacing stock trebles on baits. Obviously not all need it, but some certainly could use it. 

 

I know the KVD Triple Grips are very popular, as well at the Owner ST-36.

 

What baits do you guys put bigger hooks on?

 

Would you go Triple Grips or round bend (ST-36) on lipless cranks? I read somewhere round bend is easier from ripping thru grass. Any truth to this? Red Eyed Shad comes with size 4. Would you recommend going to size 2?

 

Same with the KVD 1.5. Do you up-size to #2 Triple Grips? 

 

What do you put on 5XD and 6XD? 

 

Any advice is appreciated! 

 

Also, is this site legit? This seems too cheap to be true.

 

https://www.fishkds.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6725262

I like EWG hooks on traps and cranks, round bends on topwaters and jerkbaits.

 

If you do the short shank KVD trebles you can upsize, otherwise stick to the stock size.

 

I mainly use ST-36s, Gamakatsu round bend and EWGs, or Mustad KVDs.

 

On the big baits, assuming you're talking about swimbaits, I use ST-36s, or Decoy Quattros.

 

I've never used that site before but Captainhookswarehouse has good prices on Mustad EWG trebles and I've bought from them lots of times.

I like round bend on all my cranks, traps, jerks and topwater. I also like to keep to the same size as they originally were - keeps the balance. ST-36 for upgrades, VMC-9650 for general replacements...one step up from original equipment VMCs on Rapalas and Storms.

Yeah, I definitely wanna keep round bend on my jerkbaits and topwater. 

 

As far as bigger hooks/balance, would that really affect a crankbait? I could see a jerkbait, where it could mess up the suspension. 

Just now, NorthernBasser said:

Yeah, I definitely wanna keep round bend on my jerkbaits and topwater. 

 

As far as bigger hooks/balance, would that really affect a crankbait? I could see a jerkbait, where it could mess up the suspension. 

For lipped cranks - larger/heavier hooks will tip the nose up a smidge...won't dive as deep. On lipless, it'll change the sink rate...have to crank faster to keep it to the same depth.

If you upsize with the short shank hooks, it's pretty close to a wash. You could weigh them if you're worried about it, but there's a reason guys that make a living fishing do it. If you're doing it with smaller, finesse baits like a Shad Rap or 1.0 it might effect the action though.

When you get time watch some of Matt Allen and Tim Littles videos on lipless. I recall Matt saying it is a must, to go to ewg hooks and up a size on the hooks. 

My replacement hooks are Owner st35 and st36, gamakatsu magic eye and mustad KVD elites. Owner hyper wire rings. Upsize wherever possible 

Now is the time to stock up on replacement hooks, rings and weights! Take advantage... 

I've purchased lures & hooks from them several times, never had any issues.  ?

I’m big fan of the Gamakatsu short shank trebles with the magic eye. Def makes replacing a lot easier. 

There is also guys that subscribe to the idea of a ewg on the front and a round bend on the back of crank baits. If a fish goes to engulf that lure the sure holding of the ewg will pay off or if he only swipes at the lure then there is the added insurance of the round bend catching him with only a swipe made. 
 

Then on upsizing hooks there is the idea that adding too big of a hook will affect the action however this time of year turning a wobbling crank into a wiggle by that effect would be the needed prescription. I have been reading and studying on the hooks a lot recently trying to learn more. Hopefully someone with more experience in these thoughts can add to the discussion.   

The stinger 36s are crazy sharp, light and strong for the diameter.  I like a heavier wire for SBs and bigger cranks unless I'm fishing in alot of wood.  If I get snagged I put enough pressure on the hook to bend it out and get bait back without blowing the spot out. 

The triple grips are good as well but the bigger sized come jumbles up in the pack so slot of the points are dull by the time you get them.  The owners are sharper then the mustads and hold a point longer.

The owners catch the fish that slap at the bait better the mustads. The mustads are good when the fish are choking the bait.

I put round bends on the tail hanger and the EWGs on the belly and it works pretty well.