Replacing hooks on plugs/lures

[WhaleFart]

I am fortunate enough to have a massive amount of saltwater plugs collected by 3 generations of family fisherman (probably around 200 in total). I was going through my tackle this weekend and was astonished to see how many plugs I have, many which has not see action since the 90s. The lures themselves all are functioning and if anything could use a nice cleaning and maybe some touch up paint if needed. The main issue I have is that many of these lures are in desperate need of hook/split ring replacement. I am having a hard time figuring out what size hook/split right I would need. The lures range everywhere from bombers, rapalas, gibbs, custom plugs, and many lures that are simply not produced anymore.

I would love any input on purchasing hooks, sizes, and what tools I may need. I'm sure some of these plugs I will simply retire but would love to refurbish as they belonged to my grandfather whom was an avid surf fisherman in the 60s - 80s

[Jigman13]

Strong split ring pliers, 4x trebles in 2-3 sizes, 70+ lbs split rings. I prefer owner hooks and rings. I'd also consider inline single or siwash hooks with a welded ring for some plugs like bombers etc.

For old plugs with rusted out rings and dull hooks, this will breathe new life into them!

I do this ring and hook swap on daiwa sp minnows bc the stock hardware is rubbish. Brands like yo zuri and bomber tend to have better quality stock hardware.

Hope this helps!

[WhaleFart]

Really appreciate the feedback and I think you definately pointed me in the right direction, some of the plugs I have and like to throw are larger 2-3.5oz swimmers, Danny’s and pencils so hopefully this size works. I tried experiments with hooks before I posted this as I was throwing a 5” surface stick bait on the surf last year and had a very large bass explode on it and break just about every treble hook off, I replaced it with sewashws but it just didn’t seem to have the same action. I will trial and error and probably have to buy some hooks in bulk from a supplier. Hopefully as I go through them I’ll post some pics of the lot of lures I got, some really great stuff in it, some will hopefully put some nice fish on the sand this fall. I have 4 Cordell Big O lures that from I see aren’t made anymore and have a pretty high price tag on email, they won’t be fore sale but I can tell they will do some damage during the fall run.

[NJSquatch]

i always try and match the hook size that came stock. I print out page 6 on the attached pdf and lay the stock hook to match to the new.


https://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content/downloads/sizing_chart.pdf

[WhaleFart]

Incredibly helpful stuff! Can’t wait to start getting these lures back to life, answered my questions and provided some really awesome help. Thanks so much

[Jigman13]

I experiment a lot. Oversized hook in the front, single in the back. 2 singles. Etc. You def have to test them out as a 4x treble is going to weigh more than most stock hooks. Some down size to accommodate and narrow in on the proper weight. Also, lure action will change. Some will dive deeper, some will wobble subtly impacting rate of retrieve.

I like a larger 4x by the head and a single tail hook on sp minnows in deeper water. Beefing up hooks on pencils and needles may require a bit more work to make the lures throw water and skip surface. It's a lot of trial and error. YouTube it!