Funny, that was exactly my thought! Yes, cut VMC's or non- cut-- they suck corrosion- resistance- wise! Their down- side is they don't last long at "full strength". Pete's also quite right that even VMC 4x trebles often come with a dull point or two out of the box, & so EVERY point needs to be checked with no assumptions of "factory- sharpness" ever made! And: personally, I'm glad when I get ONE full season out of a VMC 4x hook on my heavily fished plugs! (You bet I double- check & replace for the Fall run!). So the answer is: cut away!... don't worry about using markers/ protectants on the cut or points... JUST change once a season, or yes-- more frequently if/ when certain well- fished VMC's are starting to look haggard.

I'm cutting VMC's now for 4 years... & haven't had the cut fail once! BUT: in Jan. when I'm removing old/ hard- fished ones from pet plugs-- yes, they seem to break at the cut then frighteningly easily! :eek:

I am going into my 4th season cutting VMC hooks and between my buddys and I we have no failures. Last season I switched to the 6x hooks and love them, although they are tough to cut. I am also very meticulous about changing my hooks often as my lure bag spends a lot of time underwater.

I gotta go fishing with you guys.I have never had a hook straightened out by a fish,can't even imagine it.You're into the big mommas!

Had a Momma almost completely straighten a 4x 4/0 Treble fitted to my large Gibbs Pencil after a 5- minute epic battle on a stormy Fall day... despite that the plug swivel held, and I was "only" using 20 lb. mono., and the line never parted! (obviously)! :scream2:

Still keep that bent- out hook hanging in my workshop, as a reminder of what the biggest Bass can do to top- shelf tackle! (forget about crappy hooks & tackle!! Hear that Storm Wildeye fans? :hs: )

Doesn't have to be a momma, and it doesn't require overstressing the hook. If a fish is able to get leveage on the hook by using the plug's body as a fulcrum, the hook can straighten. I've done it to 4/0 3x strong Mustads using 20# mono and a soft Lami S-glass rod. Even bluefish can do it.