My Crankbait theory

[Rapaleye]

I was in Galyans yesterday buying a Reef Runner lil' Ripper (don't have any and hear good things about them) I took it out of the bubble pack and boy are those hooks sharp. I remember the days when you could buy a Rapala stick bait and right out of the box the hooks were sticky sharp.
Do you figure that great crankbaits get their reputation partly by having very sharp hooks right out of the box. Sharp enough that even a fool like me can hook a fish that hits it. It seems like whenever I hear someone talking about a new hot bait, when I buy one it has really sharp hooks. However after that bait has been on the market a while the company, in an effort to cut manufacturing costs, starts putting cheaper hooks on the baits. I can barely remember the last time I bought a Rapala that had sharp hooks right out of the box.
Just rambling, any of you tackle designers, don't go cheap on the hooks!!
Jim

[TK_551]

My way for testing crankbait hooks out of the box is to hang the bait from the rear hook on my index finger. I then rotate my hand. If the bait falls, hooks are not sharp enough. Rapalas and Storm hooks end up being replaced or sharpened right away. I do understand that cranks are pricey and I heard that if premium hooks were used, the price would be jacked up more. I just always make sure my hooks are sharp before I use them.

Tom
#551

[Arkie eye jerker]

What is your favorite hook sharpener? I've seen several different ones advertised. I was just curious, maybe there is a better one than the one I use.

Ed Gray

[TK_551]

I have been using the Rapala one. That is pretty good. Got in on my lanyard with the eyebusters and clippers. I also have a small file that I use.

Tom

[DaveB]

So the Rapala hooks arent sharp enough so you sharpen them w/ another Rapala product? Are you sure the reason for the duller hooks is cost or cross selling!!!

[TRAP]

Did that crank have VMC or eagle claw hooks?

[Dave in Mpls]

I believe all the Reef Runner cranks are utilizing VMC Reverse-barb, Vanadium Cone-cut treble hooks. Or, the way my day is going, those could be CMV hooks!

Regards

[TRAP]

Dave, I believe that rapala bought out VMC and then Scott at Reef Runner didn't want to use the competitors hooks so he switched to eagle claw lazers. This might not all be correct so if someone knows the real story I would love to here about it! By the way, reef runner lures are hot right now and the company can't paint them fast enough! Good Luck to all the fisherman here at WC, have a safe season!

[TK_551]

Yes Dave I use another Rapala product to sharpen hooks.. I was not complaining, I just like to make sure my hooks are sharp.

Tom
#551

[david anderson]

I certainly believe that good hooks contribute to crankbait success. I replace all of my back hooks on my Raps with Excalibur Rotating Hooks. As a bonus my other favorite crank, Rougues came standard with these hooks(not anymore). My personal experience is only an estimate but am convinced that these hooks provide at least a 30% increased hookup percentage. Where I have 2 of these hooks on a crank, 9 times out of 10 the second hook is stuck somewheres in the fish. Without a doubt, my fall trolling success on Mille Lacs is usually 2:1 against guys that I invite to go with, and who are not using my baits. I suspect that there are other good trebles that increase the hooking percentage over the standard hooks which come on 90% of the baits out there. I can't imagine how many times that thump that must have been the bottom, could have been a fish with the right hook.

[Rapaleye]

My favorite sharpener is made by EZE-Lap. It is a diamond grit sharpener that is shaped like a ball point pen case. Very small, 2-3 strokes and the hook is ready.
Jim

[Rapaleye]

The crank had VMC hooks. I see the newer ones don't have them anymore. Like the post below said, Rapala (Normark) bought VMC and I doubt they want their hooks on the competitors crankbait.
Jim

[Arkie eye jerker]

Where do you get your excalibur rotating hooks. Looked in BPS and they didn't list them.

Thanks,
Ed

[Shadman]

Hey Tom,
Maybe tell Rapala They should start using their own sharpner on there hooks before they package them!!!! I replace their hooks when I take them out of the package with Mustad Triple Grips!!! Rapala use to be good years ago! Now they have hit the new market with cheaper lures and discontinued lures that have been hot for many years. My theory is they better get back some of the colors and go back to making the Storm Thunderstick Jrs, the way Storm intended it to be built! Totally destroyed a awesome lure!!!!!
ShadMan

[Marty]

Arkie, the hooks are in their 2002 catalog at the bottom of page 202. On the web site, basspro.com, just enter "excalibur hooks" into the search box and you'll see them there.

And they ain't cheap!

[david anderson]

I have purchased most of mine at Walmart. They are sold under the Heddon brand name. I haven't seen them in the catalogs lately, come to think of it.

[david anderson]

check this out
http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=1669&hvarTarget=search