vmc fluke hooks and rapala?

[Mr. Sandman]

Did rapala buy vmc? I use the vmc 9801ps wide gap perma steel hook for fluke. I had a bunch of them but my supply is low and I can't seem to find them anyplace anymore. It was the strongest fluke hook going, use to come in 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 sizes and could take dogfish and pliers abuse. They work better then the stainless and are (were) cheaper. They came in packs of 25. Anyone see them anymore? I see rapala has a similar hook with the same number but I only can find them in 2/0.

It pisses me off you you finally find the right hook for your application (after trying them all) and then it is dropped or changed.

[striperman36]

Mike C had stainless Mustad Fluke hooks. They also work well and do not corrode.

[Gunpowder]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

It pisses me off you you finally find the right hook for your application (after trying them all) and then it is dropped or changed.

i kno tell me about it. im not sure if anyone bought one or the other but i hope the vmc hooks dont change, i love them!

[2na]

Sand, you should be old enough to know that whenever there is something out there that is perfect they're gonna change it (an 'improvement') and f it all up.

Hope it's not true, and if it is, hope you can land a lifetime supply before they change.

[Mr. Sandman]

My son got a 9.1#er this afternoon and while he was unkooking it with the pliers...I said.BE CAREFUL...that hook has got to last you all season! He gave me a strange look back. I think I have about 10 left.

[mikecc]

Rapala has owned VMC & TruTurn for about 3 years now.

[macojoe]

I keep bending the Must SS Wide gaps!! This year for some reason has been worse then other years??

I hate being in the middle of a Fluke blitz and have to stop to change hooks

I have 2 rods set up, and I might have to go 3 so when the action is going I have a rod ready and re-tie later.

[Goose]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

My son got a 9.1#er this afternoon .

sweeeeet!!!!

[Swimmer]

That beats my best and I commercial fish for them!

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

My son got a 9.1#er this afternoon and while he was unkooking it with the pliers...I said.BE CAREFUL...that hook has got to last you all season! He gave me a strange look back. I think I have about 10 left.

[Mr. Sandman]

We have been doing pretty good. A good number of 5-7# fish and a few bigger. Saw an 11+ taken recently.

As for hooks....I think I found a replacement!!! Check out the NEW (this year) Owner hook....Owner makes something called a "K-hook" model 5173-151 in large sizes. I picked up some 5/0's and ordered some 6 and 7/0's to check out. They are the classic kahale wide gap style and have a staight eye. I have always snelled my own with the bent eye but these look really nice. Very strong and VERY sharp. They have that smooth black chrome finish.

The only problem I have with the SS mustads is the thin wire. They bend all out of shape when either a dogfish or pliers come in contact with them . You have to be gentle with them. The VMC's were the strongest and most cost effective and you could get them in packs of 25 but no one has them anymore.

I will be fishing with these owners this weekend for the first time. They look great and they are about 2.50 for 5 hooks....not too bad.

[macojoe]

Sandman I emailed VMC about there hooks, I asked if they still make and sell the hooks in question and this is the reply I got:

You can purchase any of our fish hooks from a company by the name of
Stamina
Components at 763-253-0450; thank you for your interest in our
products.

Customer Service
VMC Inc.

I going to call them today if I get time for price. nI am also going to check out the hooks you just mention.

[Mr. Sandman]

I have ordered from them (stamina) before but don't see them in the catalog I have (06) any more. Let me know if you locate them. I know you will like them! You can grab these suckers with pliers and work them hard out of blufish, dogs etc and they hold up. Eventully you have to replace them but they are really rugged and the price is right.

I tired the new owners this weekend and they seem pretty good. They are a very stiff hook. Very little flex with these. Still have not put them thru the full work out but so far so good. They are sharper then any hook I have used that is for sure. Almost to the point of dangerous sharp.

[macojoe]

Sandman ck your pm's

[macojoe]

I got them!! CK PM Sandman!!

Anyone else want them the guy says one big order would be best so if you want to get in on it PM me.

3/0 $12 for 100
4/0 $14 for 100

and about $2 more for each size you go up + shipping.

[macojoe]

Here is 200 pounds for ya, caught Tue morning 2 guys 4 hours

[ProfessorM]

Nice job Joe. What is the min. size for you comm. guys, 15"?

[macojoe]

14" I have done this 5 times already!! Thanks!

[ProfessorM]

I heard the comm. guys are doing well. If you need any help someday let me know. I can always use some knowledge.

[macojoe]

Well if you pay for the gas, beer, agree to be blind folded, striped searched for handheld GPS and can go on T, W Th of any give week, I might take you out there!!

[ProfessorM]

I am game for anything but the strip search while blindfolded, either or but not both. I can go during the week let me know. I am serious. We have tried for the last 2 years and not be able too co ordinate something. I would really like to go Joe.

[macojoe]

OK I am a little messed up this week coming, but the next week for sure!! I will PM you during the week.

So you like it with the lights on do ya?

[ProfessorM]

I like it any way........... : , never mind this is a family site. PM me I look forward to it. P.