SP split rings

[massbassman]

What are you guys using for split rings when you swap out them out on the SP Minnows? Thanks.

[piemma]

Wolverine triples

[massbassman]

Thanks Paul, do you change your hooks too? The hooks dont seem terriblle that come on them but I know guys sometimes like to change them too. I didn't have a ton of time with them last year due to injury, but plan on fishing them hard this year. Thanks for your input.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[ThrowingTimber]

Split rings:
I like the Heavy split rings that Mike at M&D's carries for them. Get rid of the one on the nose entirely, its better suited for small large mouth.

Hooks: (yes replace them, seriously put them on a jitter bug)
2/0 4x VMC or 1/0 6x VMC.

Rigging:
Some guys rig with just the belly treble. Others fish it with both belly and rear.

My personal preference is to fish it with both since its a lighter lure and I tend to lean to fishing heavier tackle. I was also in a situation last year surrounded by bass and macs and saw hands on a lure with no tail hook getting zero love. Added a tail hook for the guy and he was in business.

[piemma]

Exactly what TT said. 2/0 4X VMC. Oh and BTW, I put a split ring on the nose and tie directly to it. Gives the SP better action IMO.

[tlapinski]

I like the SP minnow but find larger bass can and will not only mangle the hooks (even when upgraded) but the wire hangers as well. I solved the problem by losing the tail hook and rigging the belly hook like this picture. You can then step up to a 6x 2/0 treble (or even a 6x 3/0) and the fish can no longer get any torque on the hooks or hangers due to the swivel. The second split ring can be dropped and you can cut the treble if you find the hook hangs on the lip on the cast. I didn't find that I missed any more fish by eliminating the tail hook but have greatly increased the number of large fish landed by this set up.

[massbassman]

Great info guys... Thank you! Interesting differences on the tail hooks, will have to experiment a little. I really like that setup you have Toby! Does the extra length of the swivel at all change the action of the plug? What size swivel if you dont mind sharing?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[tlapinski]

Originally Posted by massbassman

Great info guys... Thank you! Interesting differences on the tail hooks, will have to experiment a little. I really like that setup you have Toby! Does the extra length of the swivel at all change the action of the plug? What size swivel if you dont mind sharing?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

It does change the action a little in that the plug tends to have a bit more roll than normal. I think I used size 4, 130# SPRO swivels on them. I borrowed the idea for rigging them this way from how I have seen some guys rigging Magic Swimmers and Stick Shadds.

[massbassman]

Looks great, will give it a try. Thanks to all for the input, much appreciated.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[tysdad115]

I fish the Savage version -Manic Minnow and the SP the way Toby mentioned. Split ring,swivel and cut 3/0. I remove the tail hook , I've found fish hammer these swimmers and more often than not the tail hook got stuck in the gill plate and fish bled out. I may drop a fish here and there without the tail hook on there but that beats the alternative.

[bassballer]

I gave the stock hooks and splits a test last year and didnt change them out on purpose. 2 fish in the 8-12# class and they were mangled. Split ring was barely holding the hook on.

I go wolverines and 2/0 VMC's on mine. both belly and tail.

Love the SP's, specially early in the season.

[chefchris401]

5.5 size split rings and 2/0 for the back bay

And I rig mine for the surf and canal like Toby posted

I also remove the split ring on the nose and use a TA clip
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Ian]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

It does change the action a little in that the plug tends to have a bit more roll than normal. I think I used size 4, 130# SPRO swivels on them. I borrowed the idea for rigging them this way from how I have seen some guys rigging Magic Swimmers and Stick Shadds.

Works great, especially those 8-10lb blues that love to thrash around... has kept many a hook out of my palm.

Agreed on the change of action, but I like it in some cases because the silver bottom of most of the patterns I fish gets showcased with the extra roll and fish seem to love it.

[massbassman]

Im going to order what I need at The Edge and try them, they look sick! Has anyone rigged the rear hook with a single Siwash? Not sure if that in any way plays on the balance? Im probably going to rig some a couple of different ways, and with diffferent hooks to see the actions they impart.
Went to the surgeon yesterday, and he said things are looking good with my shoulder, just go slow and steady. Soooo looking forward to getting a rod back in my hands, and feeling a tug. Ill be happy to catch a few schoolies this year. This plug is going to see some action from me, so thanks for the help and suggestions!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device