cutting vmc hooks
 

I haven't cut hooks before. When I needed cut hooks I used mustad precut figuring that they tin coat after cutting so there shouldn't be any bare metal after installing. Now I only use VMCs and I have run out of cut Mustads. I've recently cut some VMCs and tried sealing them with super glue figuring it's waterproof and pretty tenacious stuff. What is any one else doing and how well does it work?

Every time you cut a hook you weaken it. Some do it but I stay away from it. Really big fish don't treat gear very nice.They bend 4/0 easily when the right angle it hit.A weakened cut hook will bend an break easier.Choose a very good split ring an go with it. Just remeber the big ones will find any weakness no mater how good the gear or how carefull you are riggin it. Ron

Its a choice thing really....but I share Ron's sentiment! You only fatigue the metal by cutting and bending and then bending again....and that is where your tackle will fail first....and if its a Mustad it will shatter......seen that before as have a few buddies! Buy the best, screw the rest and put the split rings to the test!!:uhuh: Get VMC!

Spro or Owner splits and 6x VMCs for me this year :)

I had one too many 4x bent out, and the 6x don't like to be cut

Get a block of wood, dremel out a spot for the treble hook in the middle of the block so the cut-eye sticks out, use an awl or allen wrench slide it through the cut hook eye, bend to side (not up) just enough, then bend back. I stole this idea from Gary S.

If I can't find my block of wood jig, I use the opening of my table saw (just happens to fit a treble nicely.

I can't recall a cut VMC opening on me (there, that ought to jinx me good). I have had split rings fail, including one triple one I think. I agree that cutting 6x hooks wastes a lot of hooks (they snap when you open them). Adding a split ring adds weight equivalent to the next hook size up. Lots of plugs swim differently when you do this (not that that is necessarily bad).

Some plugs split rings some cut 6x VMC's. can cut and open with one motion using sea striker crimps. Or do the it with the cut and flex method. I use a tail wrap jig someone made me and the weird bent pick that comes in a set instead of an awl

Never had the eye open on a cut hook.
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Go on the lordship website, he has a great method, works amazing and you won't break that many hooks, even 6x ones
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I don't use cut hooks on anything other than smallish lures meant for small fish. That said a lot of big fish have been caught on SS lures with their original cut mustads. The question was not about using or not using cut hooks, but for those that cut VMCs, is there a good way to seal the cut ends to slow down corrosion?


thanks

Try hard as nails fingernail coating. I've kept it in my truck for years to use repairing guides and quick head cement to repair teasers blue fish beat up. I've even recoated plug paint thats coming off it works well.

I do the same, clear nail polish on the cut ends, does help a good amount
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You can grab one of the prongs of the treble using linesman's pliers for this method too. Because is occupies the other hand it takes some creativity to get it on the hook hanger on the plug, but it works

that's a good trick, Gary's method with a handle on the jig.

I too like to use cut hooks too on some plugs, dannies, needles. Hard as nails too but I usually forget. I just replace when rusty, but I'm independently wealthy. I use a sears wire - bolt cutter. Should have asked me to show you on Sat.