I just painted up an A-40 from NJ tackle and didnt have any open eye hooks so i used a split ring and a VMC. Is there any problem using a split ring onm the barrel swivel? I cant see there bring much of a problem, they just hang a bit longer. Also, im only putting two hooks on, a bucktail on the back and im not sure where i should put the front hook, on the front swivel or the middle one. Any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated. PS all the plugs you guys make are works or art, some day im going to get into it but i know that i cant afford another addiction right now.

Split rings seem to be a personal thing. Some like them, some don't. Not sure what you mean by putting the front hook on the front swivel or the middle one. If you are putting a bucktail on the tail with no hook, there are only two hooks left to put on. If you are only putting one hook on the belly, put it on the front swivel. Stripers are head hunters so you want a hook right where they will hit.

Jigman

VMC's have shorter shanks than the open-eyed Mustads. The overall length of a VMC and a ring is just about the same as a Mustad without a ring.

After :read: coutless flame wars on this topic, I believe I can say with some authority that the very best method is to use a split ring, or to just use a split hook :zup:

-spence

If using the split rings is going to cause the hooks to grab each other when casting,you can go to a smaller hook on the rings or use the same size open hooks without the splits.

thanks a bunch guys, gunna try it out tomorrow, it looks good in the water, now just gotta see if the fish think so,