I read somewhere that you guys/girls recommend changing out the hooks on cranks. I have probably 20 or so cranks..... I'm just curious if there is a reason for it or do you just favor a certain hook for some reason.  I'm only asking because I have been fishing for the past 3 years using the same hooks that came on my Rapala's w/ no problems so far.

Tight lines to all.......

The hooks on Rapalas are pretty good as long as they stay sharp. A lot of good hooks will rust after sharpening. Some other lures have terrible original hooks (most inexpensive Traps-chromed hooks). Some have hooks that don't perform adquetely for ones taste (I don't like Triple Grips). Original hooks get dull from use or being jostled in a tackle box for years. Most anglers can't/won't sharpen a treble hook for best performance so they just replace it usually with a better quality hook than the original. Some change the hook size to modify the action or to allow for larger or smaller fish than the original hook is designed for.

If your hooks keep passing the fingernail test you will be fine.

If I were to change the hooks, What size should I use so I don't mess up the action of the bait? I thought an 8 looked like the original size, but wasn't sure.

Thanks for the info.

If I were to change the hooks, What size should I use so I don't mess up the action of the bait? I thought an 8 looked like the original size, but wasn't sure.

Thanks for the info.

Most have sizes 4 or 6 on them.

If you change out with original sizes, you can't go wrong. You just have to compare the stock hooks with the replacement possibilities. If you are  unsure, just remove a lure hook and take it with you when hook shopping. After you do a few lures and get familiar with the size numbers, it will become easier to make hook purchases.

I thought an 8 looked like the original size, but wasn't sure.

Chances are if the 8 looked like the original, it's the right size, unless your eyesight is really off. You mentioned Rapalas; if you're talking about the Original Floaters, they have smaller hooks than most hard baits.

im gonna sound like an idiot, but whats the trick to opening the split ring and keeping it open?

im gonna sound like an idiot, but whats the trick to opening the split ring and keeping it open?

Split ring pliers.

im gonna sound like an idiot, but whats the trick to opening the split ring and keeping it open?

i just use a small screw driver

im gonna sound like an idiot, but whats the trick to opening the split ring and keeping it open?

Split ring pliers.

Here is link to some over at BPS at least you can see what they look like.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_20891____SearchResults