A Tackle Shop Guide to Treble Hooks
Choosing the right treble hook is a critical decision for any lure angler. It's about more than just size; it's about matching the hook's strength, point style, and even its coating to your lure and target species. This guide will break down what you really need to know to select the perfect treble hooks for your tackle box.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"A common question I get in the shop is whether it's really necessary to change the hooks on new lures. The truth is, factory hooks have gotten much better over the years. But for me, it’s not about the stock hooks being bad; it’s about having total confidence in what I’m using.
For my own bass fishing, for example, I'll always swap out the trebles for a specific model like the Owner ST36BC. I do it because I know that hook inside out—I know its exact strength, how the point holds up, and how it performs. When you find a hook you trust completely, it becomes one less variable to worry about on the water. It's about building a system that lets you focus purely on the fishing."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
Why & When to Replace Your Treble Hooks
There are two main reasons to switch out the trebles on your lures:
- Maintenance: This is the most obvious reason. If the hooks on your favourite lure are rusty, blunt from hitting rocks, or have had a point bent out by a fish, it's time to replace them to ensure you're not costing yourself fish.
- Upgrading for Strength: This is the most critical reason for Australian anglers. Many lures, especially those designed for overseas markets, come with standard-strength hooks that simply aren't up to the task of handling our powerful fish. Upgrading to a stronger, purpose-built treble is essential when targeting species that are notorious for straightening hooks.
Understanding Treble Hook Strength (The "X" Rating)
The strength of a treble hook is described by its "X" rating. Understanding this is the key to choosing the right one.
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Standard & 1X Strong: These are your standard-gauge hooks, perfect for finesse work when targeting species like bream, bass, and trout where a fine wire is needed for better penetration.
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2X & 3X Strong: This is the ideal all-round strength for the vast majority of Australian lure fishing. A 2X or 3X treble is a significant upgrade over standard hooks and has the power to handle larger flathead, tailor, salmon, and school-sized mulloway.
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4X Strong & Higher: This is the heavy-duty category. A 4X, 5X, or 6X strong treble is essential when you're targeting big, powerful predators with crushing jaws, like barramundi, kingfish, giant trevally, and large cod.
Pro-Tips for Upgrading Trebles
- The Lure Balancing Act: This is the most important rule. When you replace a treble, the goal is to match the weight of the new hook to the old one as closely as possible. A significantly heavier hook can completely kill a lure's suspending action or its lively wobble. The best practice is to weigh the original hook on a small digital scale, then choose a replacement of the same size with the strength you need that is as close to that weight as possible.
- Don't Forget the Split Rings: There's no point upgrading to a 4X strong treble if you're still using a flimsy, standard-issue split ring. Always match the quality of your split rings to the quality of your hooks.
- Consider Inline Singles: For catch-and-release, consider replacing the rear treble with a strong inline single hook. It provides excellent holding power and is much better for the fish's welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to change my treble hooks?
The one tool you absolutely must have is a good pair of split ring pliers. They have a small, pointed tooth on one jaw that makes opening the split ring easy and safe. Trying to use your fingernails or a knife is a fast way to get a hook stuck in your hand.
How do I know what size treble is on my lure if it isn't marked?
This is a common problem. The best way is to measure the "gape" of the hook (the distance from the point to the shank) with a ruler or calipers. You can then compare this measurement to the sizing charts available on the hook manufacturer's website (if available) to find the closest match.
Is it okay to use a different style of treble hook (e.g., short vs. long shank)?
Yes, but it will affect your lure's action. A standard shank treble is the safest all-round choice. Switching to a long shank treble can sometimes cause the hooks to foul on each other or the leader. Conversely, a short shank treble can be a great choice for smaller lures where you want to keep the hooks as compact as possible.
What are the best brands of treble hooks?
For premium, high-performance upgrades, Owner and BKK are the two undisputed market leaders. They are renowned for their incredible strength and sticky-sharp points. For a great balance of quality and value, VMC also offers a fantastic range of strong and reliable treble hooks.
