Location: Ontario, Canada | I test fitted the VMC 8650BZ 3/0 xstrong, but they seem to hang up on each other.
However, I think for now I'm just going to "T" the stock hooks and see how that works. Going with a larger hook just means more hang-ups on each other and wasted casts.
I'm sure no hook expert, but the stock hooks on this bait are listed in Rollie & Helens 2011 catalog, pg, 70 as being "3/0 VMC 9626 BN black nickel", and that hook seems to be very similar to the Mustad 3 x strong, 3/0, Ultra Point, REF 36329 BLN. So I might try the Mustad during the season, but I can't see how it would make much of a difference in hooking potential.
I did change out the stock split rings. These stock rings seem to have an oblong
design and I don't know the make, the material used to make them or the pull
strength. So, I put on the Worth tempered steel, stainless, #5 rings that I bought from James at Tackle Industries.
Al.
|
Location: Ontario, Canada | I was hoping to find a wider gap hook for this bait also. The stock size does seem a little small-at least something that has a little more over hang on the side of the bait when the hook is T'd.
Tonight I fitted what I think (I lost the box) is a VMC 9626 4 x strong short shank
4/0 0'Shaugnessy, but they hung up on each other as well. I think it's a 4/0.
The shank is approx, 3/16th longer, and the gap width is slightly wider than the stock 3/0 9626 hook .
Hope this helps. If you find anything please let me know.
Al. |
