What are the best hooks for my crankbaits ?

I lost the biggest DD of my fishing life this weekend then 2 more a bit smaller on the same crank bait. I noticed that 4 more that I caught came off as soon as they were netted. I was using a RC (Rick Clune) square bill crank. After researching I found that everyone loves these cranks but they do change the hooks immediately. My question is what is the best hooks out there to change over to....

Thanks in advance TFF

I like to replace my hooks with Gamakatsu EWG short shank trebles. Seems like the straight bend in them holds fish a little better than a regular round bend hook. Size depends on the size of the lure.

first off sorry for your loss, need a pic of the crankbait u need hooks on so I can find a best fit for that particular color.

The ewg hooks hold fish better, but the triple grip round bends snag fish easier.

I threw crank baits literally non-stop Thursday. From around 7:30 to 4:00. Thousands of casts. I caught 9 largemouths and two spots. Only lost one, and it wasn't the baits fault( different story...and my fault). I missed some fish. But can't say I lost them, since they were never actually hooked.

Best bet? Just make sure they are sharp. When dull replace them. Don't get caught up in what style. Just make sure they are sharp. Bangin them on rocks and wood dulls them fast. Keep a Texas Tackle split ring plier handy and a box of trebles. It only takes a few seconds between casts to replace a pair of hooks.

As for loosing your fish. That's crank baiting. The numbers are smaller but the weights are usually a little better. The bad thing is you will lose them on occasion.

Gamakatsu or owner stingers. May try to go a size or two larger if the bait will let you. Also remember, it is still a bait with treble hooks so don't try to manhandle the fish to the boat to much. Also, the proper drag and rod will also help with the hooks pulling out.

Good info. Also having a rod with a softer tip/able to load up on the fish was a big factor for me when i first started cranking. I lost numerous fish due to my rod tip being too stiff and ripping the hooks out.

Decoy X-F55 Quad Treble Hook


I've been using these lately and my hookups have increased by 20% at least. I love these hooks, they're really underrated. The extra shank really helps.

I'm not stingy so I will tell you it is the RC spotted shad....on lake fork. I will post a few pics asap of a couple I did catch this weekend.

Pm sent

I was using a brand new out of the package crank. I lost a a big one last weekend on mono of this lure so knowing she was laying there I changed to braid and went back this weekend with power pro 10 lb braid. Sure enough first cast thursday night she hit it like a truck and I set the hook and drag started screaming. I let her run with tension on the rod. She slowed down and I started a to bring her back to me and lost her about 20 seconds into the fight. I'm not a pro angler but I am an experienced Bass fisherman with more bass over 7lbs. than I can count. So I do know how to finesse a big bass to the boat. On this same lure though this past weekend I lost atleast 4 big bass and not one I brought in had a good hook set in the lip. So other than thinking its the style of hooks....I'm baffled, so any help would be greatly appreciated

try a different color. Sometimes they are swiping the bait out of reaction, when if the color is right, they eat it.

I appreciate all the input guys....I'm sure its good info for all

Owner stingers

looking at the now...thanks lamoon78

Mustad Short shank round bend. Barb is closer to the point than most hooks and it has a barb than catches meat. Which is important to me.

Thanks Marc...I was in Little Caney when I lost all the little pigs last weekend. I completely agree with you

I primarily use Mustad short shank 2x strong KVD trebles

defiantly going to check out the Mustad

Owner ST-41...for short shank use ST-35.

Short Shank ST-35