I've always just used stock hooks on my hard baits, but I frequently hear that I should be changing them out. What should I change them too? It seems everything I read is just based on whoever is sponsoring them. Also, is it best to just keep the stock size? Which baits are best to upsize? Short shank vs triple grip vs 2x and 4x = lots of confusion for me! Thanks for any advice.

I was questioning this same thing a while back. The hooks on the Megabass jerkbaits seemed a little wimpy to me. I was reminded that the action would be affected. Especially the buoyance of the bait. If you want the bait to suspend when paused you will need to experiment with the aftermarket hooks to come up with sizes that work for you.

I've always used stock and they've worked perfectly fine for me.

Who says to change them out? Sounds like they want you to buy more stuff.

I keep the stock hooks on there until they break or rust off.

Round bend versus triple grip style depends on the fish more times than not a round bend is better imo if they are not eating the bait good or slapping at it you are more likely to get a hook into the fish. If they are really eating it good then a triple grip is the way to to.

As far as upsizing hooks goes it depends on the bait, most jerkbaits need to have #6 hook to get the proper action.

1.5 size #4 or #2 short shank
2.5 size #4 or #2 can be used

Bigger than 2.5 #2 hooks

I try and keep it simple for my baits, hope this helps a little bud.

Some stock hooks are better than others and some become dull after use and so I change them out with quality hooks. I always do the thumbnail test. If they slide across my nail they get changed out

Good point. Megabass jerkbaits are so precisely balanced that if you change out the hooks it will most likely cause them to sink slowly or float up slowly depending on what hooks you install.

#6 gamakatsu round bend or short shank are what I replace the megabass hooks with. Line size & type, split ring size, hook size & water temperature all effect the way your bait suspends. You can buy 5 megabass jerkbaits and all 5 my take a little different approach to get them to act the same.

110 jerkbaits are a pita to tune a couple tenths of a gram can change it from slow float, to suspend, or straight to slow sink.

I sharpen them. It's a lot cheaper.

if they hang in my shirt or pants, they're sharp enough..

I have had crankbaits like the academy brand and the hooks seem like very light wire so I change them. Others like SK seem to be ok so I leave them alone. I know academy brand has VMC hooks on their baits. Could just be me and I may be changing them for nothing but if I think a lure is inferior(whether it is or not) I will make any change necessary or not use it.

Look closely at the Academy H20 cranks. The boxes with the gold label at the bottom have Owner hooks. I don't know if they discontinued them but I bought several of the lipless rattling baits that definitely have Owner trebles.

This is what a big ol Lake Fork mama did to stock hooks on the vision 110. It was an incredibly big fish and I had her to the boat 3 times but the hooks weren't up to the challenge. Ruined my day. Maybe my year