VMC 4X vs 6X ID Tip

[chefchris401]

So last night was sorting boxes of gear after the flood move and found most of my vmc hooks to be all mixed together, after sorting sizes, mostly 3/0 and 4/0, next step was to find the 6x versions mixed in with the 4x versions.

You can compare thickness of them side by side but that takes a while and the thickness is pretty close.

The easiest way I've found to tell the difference is to look at the side of the bend of the hook.

You'll see in the pics that the 6x has flat sides and the 4x the bend of the hook is rounded.

Once I found this out, it made sorting them so much faster, figured i'd share the tip here and hope it helps somebody.

Check out the pics, the first pic is the 6x, second is the 4x and last is side by side.

[Jackbass]

The other way is to shove one of each into your palm so you can stick the Barb through then attempt to cut The barbs off with regular pliers. The one that's wicked hard to cut is six x lol. Just kidding that is great information thank you
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[ecduzitgood]

Great tip, I have a bag with new hooks I replaced and hooks I am unsure of. I learned the hard way that when in doubt change it out. Even the owner hook on the Sebile (surf and sun or whatever the heavy version is called) 228 bonga jerk bends...all vmc 4x for my striper plugs.
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[numbskull]

My experience is that 6x VMC's snap about 50% of the time if you cut them and try to open them to avoid using split rings.

6x hooks weigh about the same as the next size up 4x hook, add a split ring instead of a cut treble and you get the weight of 2 sizes up so switching from 4x to 6x can significantly effect your plug's action.

Big fish will crush/straighten 6x pretty easily as well (notice the crush job on the front treble in the pic....also notice the lip and the dent in the plug beneath my 4th finger from the impact when the fish hit the rock)

If you are really worried about using the strongest trebles check out owner hooks. Very expensive, however.

[ecduzitgood]

I probably should have added 98% of the plugs I fish are rigged with just 1 5\0 4x vmc hook in the furthest foward location. Even the sp minnows
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[Ian]

Chris, my 4x hooks have straight bends and the 6x have the circular look...