The thickness or quality of the VMC Perma Steel finish seems to have decreased in the past few years. It's still the best hook currently being produced for this sort of application though, I think.
Gamakatsu actually makes a real nice open eye Siwash. They're sharp and they don't rust. But they're priced like a Gamakatsu.
nib you are right about closing the bigger Mustad hooks! I have switched to VMC because of breakage also. Mustads rust out quickly when used by a guy who would rather fish than take the time to rinse all plugs and hooks every time out. I also have had them snap when taking a fish off the hook.
Hybrid Mode
