I had the same problem a few years ago and did pretty much what everyone has been suggesting. I switched to a fiberglass rod, a Browning SiaFlex. It's a nice rod for lipless crankbaits and crankbaits (only problem is the reel seat doesn't completely tighten up on any of the reels I've tried, so I've had to add a little electrical tape and it's only 7'). I also switched the front treble on all my baits with Mustad triple grip trebles. I use heavy mono (17#)most of the time with lip-less cranks for ripping then out of vegetation. I haven't kept track but it sure seems like my hook and landing ratio has gone up. I fish a red eye shad most of the time lately it just seems to be working better for me then my old favorite the rat-l-trap.
