cutting VMC's - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Pete_G · 02-21-2006, 07:23 PM

I'm switching a lot of my plugs that I used to run with extra heavy #5 split rings to cut VMC's this year, much more so then in years past. Anyone ever had failures on VMC's they've cut open? I haven't, but with more plugs in my plug bag outfitted that way the chances obviously increase.

Clogston29 · 02-21-2006, 07:39 PM

I've had fish straighten 3/0 vmc trebles and the cut eye still looked fine. Coloring the cut on the hook with a sharpie greatly reduces rust too.

libassboy · 02-21-2006, 09:44 PM

I just use the split rings with the vmc's, cutting them makes them rust faster and i find it annoying. Those triple split rings wont pop open, and youll be able to change hooks easier in the future.

tattoobob · 02-21-2006, 10:07 PM

I would never use cut hooks, they are cut bent open then bent closed, this leaves a hair line crack in the hook. put those hooks on, use your plug a couple of times then try to open them they snap right off. I replace all my hooks with 4x VMC and XH split rings. never had a problem with brealing or straightening out a hook.

Pete_G · 02-21-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libassboy

I just use the split rings with the vmc's, cutting them makes them rust faster and i find it annoying. Those triple split rings wont pop open, and youll be able to change hooks easier in the future.

My Danny's are the only ones where I need a little more protection against fouling by eliminating the split ring. Beachmaster himself gets upset with split rings so I'm going to trust his judgement. I'm sticking with split rings everywhere I can; needles, Redfins, some darters, and my bottles. I like my split rings. I can't stand even an occasional tangle while fishing Danny's though so it's time to make a change.

luds · 02-21-2006, 10:19 PM

I've also had success with the sharpie option. I use a silver sharpie to match the color of the hook.

Crow · 02-21-2006, 11:13 PM

I've been cutting them for a few years now and had always cut all the other brands of hooks that I used. When they are newly cut I have had 2 of 3 hook points straightenned but the cut part held. You just have to watch them in year 2 and 3. But I find the VMC rust whether you cut them or not but of course they are much, much stronger when not cut. Hooks are relatively cheap so when there is a doubt off they go. BTW I still cut them with sidecutters and use a round plier to open them and they seem less crystallized thus stromger.

Spiderman · 03-05-2006, 05:01 PM

I am going into my 4th season cutting VMC hooks and between my buddys and I we have no failures. Last season I switched to the 6x hooks and love them, although they are tough to cut. I am also very meticulous about changing my hooks often as my lure bag spends a lot of time underwater.

Slammer223 · 03-05-2006, 10:46 PM

I gotta go fishing with you guys.I have never had a hook straightened out by a fish,can't even imagine it.You're into the big mommas!

LeCounts1099 · 03-06-2006, 09:44 AM

Had a Momma almost completely straighten a 4x 4/0 Treble fitted to my large Gibbs Pencil after a 5- minute epic battle on a stormy Fall day... despite that the plug swivel held, and I was "only" using 20 lb. mono., and the line never parted! (obviously)!

Still keep that bent- out hook hanging in my workshop, as a reminder of what the biggest Bass can do to top- shelf tackle! (forget about crappy hooks & tackle!! Hear that Storm Wildeye fans?

)

Mike P · 03-06-2006, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slammer223

I gotta go fishing with you guys.I have never had a hook straightened out by a fish,can't even imagine it.You're into the big mommas!

Doesn't have to be a momma, and it doesn't require overstressing the hook. If a fish is able to get leveage on the hook by using the plug's body as a fulcrum, the hook can straighten. I've done it to 4/0 3x strong Mustads using 20# mono and a soft Lami S-glass rod. Even bluefish can do it.