Great point by Mike P: this is why I prefer to go the uncut VMC/ split ring attachment on all plugs possible to do this with! With the right split- ring this is always stronger than any cut- hook approach. And the added free- movement of the hook vs. cut/ direct- attachment aids in preventing a hooked fish from getting leverage enough to open hooks (and I've had more than a few 4x trebles opened up on me!).
Mike's point about shank (& weight) differences between modern VMC 4x's... and old- school Mustads, are why I never think twice about spit rings on plugs killing action. I even disagree w/ Bobby about his own plugs: he says cut treble always on his Darters & Cowboys, among others. I've test- swam them with 4x's and splits for 5+ years now, and they swim just fine! And on his large/ old- style Cowboy I even go to a 5/0 VMC 4x & split ring! Would take a lot to kill the sweet action of a husky BM plug!
Finally/ unfortunately, many plugs including Bobby's Dannys & A40s & large Darters mandate the use of cut- trebles, as they sport head- swivels too close to the lip/ front of the plug to do otherwise. Here I cut my own VMC's (4x & 6x) and yes, they corrode quickly & can weaken... but no problem as long as you don't try to go a whole season of hard fishing on the same treble. My hard- fished plugs get 2- 3 new cut VMC's per season... & the max I go with a cut treble is one season. No break- offs yet! So far, the hook bent out, or the head swivel popped, whenever "Ms. Big" got away! Never the cut failing even once in 5+ years for me being dilligent about replacing them...
Now if I can only find open- eye Siwash hooks that I can trust will hold once closed!...
