cut vs split rings

[Mike P]

Just keep this in mind--4x and 6x VMC hooks are shorter in overall length than 3x Mustads. A VMC on the proper sized Wolverine triple split ring is probably no longer in overall length than a cut Mustad standing alone on the barrel.

[LeCounts1099]

Great point by Mike P: this is why I prefer to go the uncut VMC/ split ring attachment on all plugs possible to do this with! With the right split- ring this is always stronger than any cut- hook approach. And the added free- movement of the hook vs. cut/ direct- attachment aids in preventing a hooked fish from getting leverage enough to open hooks (and I've had more than a few 4x trebles opened up on me!).

Mike's point about shank (& weight) differences between modern VMC 4x's... and old- school Mustads, are why I never think twice about spit rings on plugs killing action. I even disagree w/ Bobby about his own plugs: he says cut treble always on his Darters & Cowboys, among others. I've test- swam them with 4x's and splits for 5+ years now, and they swim just fine! And on his large/ old- style Cowboy I even go to a 5/0 VMC 4x & split ring! Would take a lot to kill the sweet action of a husky BM plug!

Finally/ unfortunately, many plugs including Bobby's Dannys & A40s & large Darters mandate the use of cut- trebles, as they sport head- swivels too close to the lip/ front of the plug to do otherwise. Here I cut my own VMC's (4x & 6x) and yes, they corrode quickly & can weaken... but no problem as long as you don't try to go a whole season of hard fishing on the same treble. My hard- fished plugs get 2- 3 new cut VMC's per season... & the max I go with a cut treble is one season. No break- offs yet! So far, the hook bent out, or the head swivel popped, whenever "Ms. Big" got away! Never the cut failing even once in 5+ years for me being dilligent about replacing them...

Now if I can only find open- eye Siwash hooks that I can trust will hold once closed!...

[piemma]

Now if I can only find open- eye Siwash hooks that I can trust will hold once closed!... [/QUOTE]

Boy is that the truth!! I had a box of 100 6/0 Mustad Siwash open-eye hooks that broke so many times I ended up throwing them away.
I bought a 100 VMC Siwash open-eye hooks from Mikecc and haven't had a probelm in 2 years.

[NIB]

I cut em.I like to get as big a hook as I can.I have never had a problem with the cut VMC breaking. I have had issue's with all of the quality split rings..It's just another link.I think the more u eliminate links the better.

[Springer]

for those of you who cut them, what is the recomended method of cutting?

Thanks

[nightfighter]

Even with split ring pliers, I find changing hooks onto split ring to be a major PITA.... therefore cut VMCs/mustads are a viable solution for me.

[Bernzy]

Originally Posted by piemma

Now if I can only find open- eye Siwash hooks that I can trust will hold once closed!...

Boy is that the truth!! I had a box of 100 6/0 Mustad Siwash open-eye hooks that broke so many times I ended up throwing them away.
I bought a 100 VMC Siwash open-eye hooks from Mikecc and haven't had a probelm in 2 years.[/QUOTE]

The Mustads are stainless steel and are notoriously brittle

Bernzy

[MAC]

Some plugs run better without a split ring. The split ring makes another pivot point and can alter the plugs action. Take the 2 oz pikes I used to make. My favorite way to use them was with a cut VMC on the front. A split ring could be used on the back without much difference. I started putting split rings on the front and back because that is how guys wanted them. I never had a cut VMC fail from the eye openning up. Had quite a few hooks straighten out but that could be due to too tight of a drag.

Beachmaster cowboys and their darters are another 2 examples of plugs working better with a cut hook. My suggestion is ask the builder what he suggests with his plugs as far as split ring versus cut hook and follow that advice.

[2na]

I have been cutting VMC's for years without a breaking problem (Springer - with a metal nipper tool you can get at HD called a dike). Corrosion? Hell yeah. Just change the gd things.

BUT...I have found that a cut hook to a hard point (not a swivel) on a plug (esp my favorite, Mambo Minnows) allows for the fish to get leverage and bend the hook, or worse, the hard point on the lure. I have lost hooks to find the hard point, not the hook, gave way.