Hook and split ring replacement

[JamesJet]

Just wanted to start a thread regarding what plugs you replace hooks and/or split rings on. I know everyone says change out everything made by Superstrike, but what else? I gotta assume Bombers and Mambos as well?

I never have a good fall run and this year I know it will be the one. I won't be able to put as much time in but with my dumb luck a cow will take my plug on one of my few outings and I want to be ready.

[tysdad115]

Sebile with "black" hooks.Lose them asap,lost what felt like a good one the other day. It just about straightened one leg of the treble...not happy.
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[WESTPORTMAFIA]

Replace all Sebiles and be safe unless the S&S ones that should hold up. Go with the Rosco splits. SPLITS AND HOOKS = LOSE EM!!!!!!!! 20# fish will punk the hooks and 30#'s will cork screw the splits. BTW the fish aren't going to like Sebiles next year so don't bother.

[FishermanTim]

Hey, here's a novel idea for manufacturers (which could be a cost saver overall): Don't rig the lures, or at least offer some unrigged so that we can choose the hooks and split rings ourselves.

Just a suggestion.

[WESTPORTMAFIA]

That would be great but probably 90% of people who buy plugs have no clue or would even think about replacing hooks. And I'm sure we would all run into people casting plugs with no hooks

[Thumper]

The best is when people forget to take the hook protectors off
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[WESTPORTMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Thumper

The best is when people forget to take the hook protectors off
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Thats me

[dahark]

Originally Posted by WESTPORTMAFIA

Replace all Sebiles and be safe unless the S&S ones that should hold up. Go with the Rosco splits. SPLITS AND HOOKS = LOSE EM!!!!!!!! 20# fish will punk the hooks and 30#'s will cork screw the splits. BTW the fish aren't going to like Sebiles next year so don't bother.

So what size and type splits and hooks would you recommend for most canal type lures (2-4oz plugs,darters, swimmers etc..) including Sebile stick shad

[JackK]

If the hook on a new plug is shiny, 9/10 times it's garbage. Replace it with VMCs.

Stock Gibbs, SS, most plastic swimmers (redfins, mambos, bombers, yozuri) all fall into this category. I also replace the hooks on tins (Deadly #^&#^&#^&#^&s, marias, yozuris). Pt jude tins are great right out of the package.

I also switch out the splits on all of those plugs to rasco H splits, and use owner splits on my bigger plugs (expensive, but I've straightened rascos, and never an owner). If a plug comes with wolverines, I switch those to rascos as well. More wire doesn't = stronger splits, especially if the wire is 1/2 the diameter...

If you get an assortment of VMC hooks in 1/0-5/0, as well as splits in size 2-6, you should be able to cover most any plug. I generally match the size of the replacement hook/split to what's on it originally. My exception is needles- I generally go with oversized hooks and splits on them as their action is less influenced by the larger hardware.