vmc fluke hooks and rapala?

[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.