So here's a dumb question...looking at some bucktail dressed siwash hooks, and noticed they were open eye hooks. Is this a bad thing, and should I be crimping them closed? Or is this nothing to worry about. Also, where can I get some higher quality colored one's? I seems like there's limited choices out there unless you know someone who does custom tails.

It's only a bad thing if you don't crimp them closed.

If you're going to make plugs I'd learn to make your own. It's pretty easy and the materials are cheap. It also gives you the option of using a split ring with a closed loop eye.

-spence

do you just use a pair of pliers?

Yup.

Get out of work and go to Plum Island event tomorrow....

They are much easier to crimp closed with a vise, particularly 5/0 and up.

You can make your own tails very easily with a bucktail, a cheap bobbin, some hard as nails nail polish, and some flytying thread ( flat waxed nylon is good). Clamp the hook in a vise or with a pair of vise-grips and have at it.

hahaha.....would love to Ross, but the wife would have my ass! lol