Never done it before but I have one major concern and a couple of questions on how to do so.

1) does putting bigger hooks on a KVD 2.5 or similar crank affect how snagless/weedless the baits are? I like to bring square bills through rocks and trees, and I don't want to increase hang ups.

2) what size hooks would you upgrade to on a KVD 2.5?

3) is there a method or tool to use to make the task of changing hooks easier?

Thanks in advance!

Use a short shank round bend hook, size 4.

Bigger, longer shanked hooks could increase hang ups.

I use needle nose but some us split ring pliers
Good luck!

I use to change mine out. I always went with the same size hook originally on the bate, just went with a better sharper hook. I used a pair of split ring pliers. Another thing I did was to hone (sharpen) every hook in my boat.

I have always heard to never go more than 1 size bigger than the hook on the bait. Now for the guys who are really good at tuning and dialing in a bait might somewhat disagree but for the novice I think that's probably pretty good advice.

I tried doing larger hooks on cranks a few times. It seemed to kill the effectiveness of the lures I did this to. Most brand name cranks come with high quality hooks these days. I've read a lot of good things about switching to "Red" hooks. I've never tried that but I want to mod some of my favorite Ratl-Traps with red hooks just to see if I notice any difference..........

Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers are the only ones to buy the rest are junk.

The Mustad short shank triple grips work great and you really need good split rings pliers to do the job quickly and correctly.

Here is a link to a post with info on what size hooks to use when changing out on SK crankbaits:
Austin Bass Fishing Forum - Crankbait Hooks

This.

1) Absolutely...bigger hooks can kill the action of the lure...worst on long thin baits. The 2.5 not so much, if you don't go over one size larger. Long shank hooks are prone to hang up worse than the short shank wide bite hooks.
2)Not sure whats on the KVD 2.5....Normally I use #2 VMC9651's on a lure that size.
3)Barlow's Online Store sells a good variety of split ring pliers for the different sizes of rings. Don't buy the cheapest ones because they create a hazard to bystanders since they occasionally become "flying tools"
Just my

I use these on all the hard baits I buy, except jerk baits cause they add to much weight. Same size as the original hooks, except lipless I will usually upsize on them.

They don't bend and few bass will come off of these!

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustad_KV...ge-MKVDEST.html

Here's the ones I use with good success. I like the round bend or short shank hooks for most of my crankbaits, however.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Short_Shank_Round_Bend_1X_Treble_Hooks_7pk/descpage-VMCSSRB.html

Hope this helps. They used to have a 3X hook that I still have some of, can't find it any more, however. Get you a GOOD pair of split ring pliers and go to town on them, that is the best thing to do.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Specifically for the 2.5's, I like the Owner ST-41, #2. The long shank will cause the hook to get caught on the bill every now and then. But great hooks and hook-ups! I just bought a bunch of VMC Spark Point hooks that I'm going to try, they are cheap if bought in bulk. $95.00 for qty 250 from Hooks USA. They get good reviews, but don't look as stout as the Owner ST-41's... Time will tell...

If you don't bury the hook when you get snagged, the bow and arrow trick will get it out 99% of the time. If not, the bait is maximum 6' down and the pole-type lure retriever will get your bait back.

The Texas Tackle Pliers are great! But, I like the Rapala brand just as well, you can get them at Academy for $8.00.

Texas Tackle split ring pliers are the only pliers worth buying.

As for the hook type, cold water Extra Wide Gap. Summer round bend. And Mustad or Gamakatsu are the only brands worth buying in my opinion. And stay with the size that came on the bait, especially with KVD baits! Also on the rear hook I like to put an oval split ring or two split rings to improve the amount of hook ups on crankbaits. Learned that trick from watching videos online of some touring guys. Occasionally I switch out a red belly hook to give them something different to look at on shad colors as well.

DON'T. CHANGE. THEM
If your concerned just use a small file and sharpen them.
90% of hooks mfgrs use work just fine