I just got my "annual" shipment of Rat-l-traps in (with more on the way) and am in the process of swapping out the hooks.  In years past I have used size 4 all the way around.  I am thinking this year I might put a 2 up front and a 4 on the rear.  Any thoughts??  I like the idea of a slightly bigger hook up front, but it looks HUGE.

Mostly 1/2 oz BTW

Take both hooks off, and put a #1 Owner on the front.  

I have tried that in the past, but it scares me.  That rear hook has saved my butt too many times to take it off.  It's a confidence thing.

I think I have found a set-up I like ..... #2 Owners up front and #4 Gammies on the rear

KU, Let me know how those go through the water with a 2 and 4. I tried it last year and it really seemed to change the action of the lure-for the worst. I think I went Mustad front and back though.

I think is was Whittler that mentioned that the slight change in hook weight can severly change the action of the lure-hmmm. maybe it will change it for the better.....

For 1/2 oz. , I use #2 hooks.

I read some where that VanDam always goes bigger with hooks on his traps.

You are correct Doug, some baits will have a dramatic change in action with hook changes and on some it is hardly noticable. Usually the heavier the bait the less effect, you just have to experiment.

#4 in front and #6 in back for both 1/4 & 1/2 oz. I like Gammie round bend on the 1/4 oz and Gammie EWG on the 1/2 oz.

I usually have #4 on front and rear, either round or ewg. I recently bought some #2 Rapala short shank 2x trebles (VMC?) and made them front hooks on some of my 1/2 oz. Spots. It didn't seem to affect the action enough to notice and I still caught plenty of fish them... I just missed less.

I use the same size that comes on the Trap just a better quality  

I'm gonna try senko77's tip and go with the #1's. I think he had suggested this to someone else before and I was looking to replace mine.

A little off topic but...on all three of my rat-l-traps, I use a feathered hook on the back.  I may convert all of my cranks and jerks to this method.  A little added action when the lure is still.

I use the same size that comes on the Trap just a better quality  

Ditto

I keep the original treble on the back, but replace the front with a #2. Seems to work for me. It also doesn't seem to affect the bait at all, but then again I rarely throw any lipless crank that is less than a 1/2 oz.