What size hooks?
 

I picked up a few of the Beachmaster cowboy swimmers today. What size trebble hooks do you all think work best on these plugs?

thanks - spence

I use the 4/0 4x strong VMCs. You could go with either 3/0 or 4/0 depending on your preference. With Mustads I'd go with the bigger size. The VMCs have a shorter shank than Mustads, so the overall profile of a 4/0 VMC is shorter than a 3/0 Mustad.

You could also use a Siwash single on the tail---something like a 6/0 or 7/0. Stay away from the very brittle Mustad stainless Siwash.

Thanks, I think I just bought some of the mustad stainless siwash hooks. What's the best replacement now that VMC stopped making them?

-spence

VMC and the tinned Mustads are both good.

what size split rings do you use??

Been using 6-1/2 HD, but this year I'm going to start cutting the VMCs and crimping them on without rings.

metal lip (makes the Beachmasters) recommends not using a split ring.

Any idea why? With #4 splits and the vmc trebbles they sure don't hang down very far.

-spence

Is there any easy, effective way to re-solder the cut that you would put in a cut hook eyelet. Somehow I bet Saltheart would know....

Mike Fixter cuts the closed eye 3x strong Mustads and crimps them on--the open eye Mustads have become crap. I have one of his Pikies and the hooks are still strong after two years. Don't think there's any need to solder the VMCs.

metal lip thinks that rings alter the action of his plugs.

Where did you find the beachmasters, I have been looking for a few?

What style is the cowboy ? anyone have a picture ? i did just buy some beachmasters the other day as well, but got the danny style

Don't have a photo...it's larger than a danny at 3.5 ounces, angled head and a super heavy duty lip.

-spence

CMS Enterprises in New Beffa usually has a good selection of Beachmasters. He should be at the MSBA show.

how deep does it swim ?

that where i picked mine up, at cms, they had a good selection