SS Hook Replacement

[Needs Salt]

When replacing the tinned hooks on the SS plugs, does anyone notice a difference in the plug if split rings are added? I prefer another brand of hook, but don't like cutting the eye because they rust at the cut. I prefer to add split rings, but obviously, the hooks hang lower and swing more. Wasn't sure if anyone had a preference w/ the SSs. Thanks,...-John

[nofish]

I always take out the hooks on the ss also. I add a bucktail on the back and also add new 3d eyes which stand out nicely for the hardtails. The addition of the split rings is a must because it's too difficult to put on the snap at night due to the curve on the head especially with poor vision. It doesn't impair the action at all as far as I can see anyway.
good luck

[FontaineRods]

split rings add the the lure hooks by not allowing fish to get leverage while hooked and twisting, turning, running, or whatever, during the fight. ask some of the old salts how many hooks they had broken during some of the "glory days" when big bass were around and they replaced all lures hooks with larger sizes. depending on the lure, i always replace stock lure hooks w/ vmc trebels when they come with mustads. today's mustads are junk due to the gov'ts ban on cadmium, which was the component that gave mustad hooks there durability and strength. vmc's are usually slightly shorter for the same hooks size as a mustad, so they dont hang as far back as you might think when replaced.

also, always get the h/d split rings. i have not been too impressed with the triple split rings as they are a weaker, thinner wire and can be stretched. i had a friend lose a fish on one of them.

[Tony G]

No split rings on SS darters.

[marc z]

Tony,

\Why no split rings on SS Darters???

I replace the front hook with split ring and vmc and the rear with siwash bucktail. I've caught plenty of fish that way and it does not appear to affect the action of the plug. Your thoughts???
thanks

[thewaterfordstriper]

i heard this second hand....but it was from a extremely reputable tackle shop owner.

he said that donnie musso purposely places the weld on the rear treble hook down. i am assuming it is for added weight for better wiggle?

that is difficult task to accomplish with a split ring.

[Zeno]

Actually ,I heard Donny few nights ago at the seminar say that he prefers split ring on the back with a single dressed hook.That way hook can "fold" against the body on a cast.His own words
Also ,Don has been saying for years that most of his pugs are designed for 4/0 hooks but the 3/0 fit better in the package and its adequate
btw
adding split rings to the SS darter results in hook swinging and catching a nose of the plug,rendering it useless
now ,putting a ring on the darters nose is another story............

btw
I don't like split on SS needles either.The hook hangs too low from the body resulting in too many dropped fish

[Tony G]

I was told no split rings on the darters..A split ring on the tail hook with a treble will help it fold in also.I Have been toying with this since this Thread started..different hooks an splitring combo's.With a single hook the hook point will sit horizontal thats funny(wierd) if u ask me.I might twist the tail loop but i am ususally leary to do this.
One thing I have found is the plastic is not always the same. I have some that swim the balls an others that kinda come in like a stick.This is on the darters..I have to try weighing em to see if they are diff.
I tried different hooks an things I can't explain it this was testing em in a river buy my house.I was perplexed why certain plugs did so well.An others did not.
I have to see what the SR on the nose does...