Chubby Darter Hooks

[stripernut]

I am looking to see if any one has changed to hooks on their Salmo Chubby Darters and still get the same action? I keep hooking BIG bass on the smallest darter (perch) and only get to land a small number of them because of the small weak hooks that come on the lure... I am not interested in using a different lure ( I have them and I get more fish on the Salmo), I am just hoping some one has already found a good "make and model" of hook, that does not kill the action.! Thanks for any help!

[Kevin23]

Keep the same size, upgrade to a 2X strong from mustad.

[stripernut]

Have you done that?

[Kevin23]

I take that back, after looking I was wrong. I did up it to #12 instead of #14. I used VMC X-Strong Round Bend #12. The # on the box is VMC 9650. It didnt mess with the action at all, at least none that I saw. The VMC is a pretty light hook in regards to weight.. but very sharp and very strong. I did notice that I caught less of those little perch and bluegill that nip at the hook and get stuck, if that matters to you I would say stick with a #14. I upped to #12 because I was using them in the summer this year for walleye and crappie, the #14 wasnt cutting it. I caught many more with the #12.

[stripernut]

Thanks! That is just the info I was looking for... Not getting some of those smaller fish is just fine by me!