Spro size 5 "Power Split Ring". Split ring pliers $5.99 At the Academics last time I checked. Far as hooks matter of preference I suppose but a stout #4 should work.

 

That's 2Cool. Thanks Tony...

 

VMC cone cuts

If I remember right. LOL

VMC cone cut #4

25 run about $6.00 at Academy

 

Any advice on how not to end up in the emergency room with a handful of hooks?

Do knot ask Harbormaster for advice concerning this matter! LOL!

 

Corkies

Replace the split rings if needed and as Fishin-Inc said, nothing but VMC #4. Gater

 

I like the idea of replacing the split rings with the Spro brand as suggested earlier on this thread. About the hooks though, Paul Brown builds them with #4 VMC Round Bend Cone Cut hooks and these are good... better though in my opinion is the #3 VMC Round Bend Cone Cut. You will not find these everywhere, especially not in the Big Box Mega Stores, you'll have to go to a real tackle shop... Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Margurger's, David's Tackle Box, Tackle Box (Victoria), Roy's Bait and Tackle (Corpus), Tackle Town (Rockport), etc.

I think you'll be glad you made the hook upgrade... those little #4's are just too easy for a strong trout or redfish to straighten or break in my opinion.

EJ

 

Since your replacing the hooks go with the red "bleeder" hooks.

 

Do knot ask Harbormaster for advice concerning this matter! LOL!

I would of thunk it was Inc. He was the one I saw doing some lil trick to them. Then he like rolls them around in his hand, making sure he gets stuck by every hook, demonstrating is masochist tendencies. LOL

 

Replace the split rings! After that 'fish of a lifetime' straightens one of them out, the four bucks for a box full that you saved will bug you forever.

 

EJ,
I have been on a search far and wide for the 3. Thanks for the info. I have new armament for my Catch Jr.s,Lilboy,SW-8's,etc.

 

Stamina can get any VMC hook available: http://www.staminainc.com/index.html

Charles

 

How did you get a Corkie to last long enough to have to change the hooks? Couple fish and mine have been toast. I have taken hooks OFF to put in the tackle box before I chunked the mangled corkie away. LOL

 

Do knot ask Harbormaster for advice concerning this matter! LOL!

Bogart grip! :slimer:

I would of thunk it was Inc. He was the one I saw doing some lil trick to them. Then he like rolls them around in his hand, making sure he gets stuck by every hook, demonstrating is masochist tendencies. LOL

I like that "lil trick!" Bend the barbs with a pair of needlenose and get more hookups! It somehow even makes the hooks feel sharper?!?!?!

How you been Bender? You need to come by! Get off that river! :biggrin:

 

pliers!

Yeah I think it's worth it to replace the rings, just PLEASE use the pliers. I've seen a couple of nasty accidents with guys trying to just pry them open with a fingernail.... it's just ugly