cutting VMC's

[Pete_G]

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]

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

[Crow]

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.

[ThrowingTimber]

after cutting them if Im not fishing that lure for a while I hit the cut with a thin coat of hard as nails.

[Clogston29]

I think some plugs swim better with cut hooks than with split rings. That and keeping hooks from fouling are the only reasons I do it. Once I have one break, I'll probably change.

[MAC]

I've had hooks straighten out but never had an eye break or open. (usually my fault; drag set too tight ) To me if the drag is set properly and you only bend it once they are fine. If you over bend them after cutting them they break occaissionally. Or if you miss when you close it and try to adjust again that is where a problem could occur. Granted they rust quicker when you cut them so you just have to keep an eye on them and replace as needed. The rebending due to a miss includes Mustad open eye as well. Mustads biggest problem now is their coating sux and the hooks are dull as a Bic pen. Hooks aren't going to last forever if you fish a plug. Rinsing with freshwater helps but eventually they need replacing. EPA standards won't allow hook manufacturers to use what they could 10 or 12 years ago.

[MAC]

Another thing to think about is like Pete and Clogston said. Some plugs do swim better without split rings. Most plugs with 2 belly hooks were made to accomodate cut hooks. Add in split rings and hooks can and do sometimes tangle. Depending on the size of the lure its hook placement can't be changed enough to make split rings work without affecting the action of the plug.