Vmc Spin Shot Hooks

[Crestliner2008]

My initial take on trying the #2 VMC's on the Quabbin: They definitely work. And I'm going to continue to use them....for now. However, one problem I have is with hook set.

I'm normally, using the Gamakatsu SplitShot/DropShot hooks (#2 as well) and all I have to do is lift and reel in order to drive the tiny hook into the upper lip. Almost never fails. No real "hook-set" is needed per say. I was using straight fluoro with this drop shot set-up, along with a small #8 Spro PowerSwivel in between the main line and my DS leader.

 

With this new VMC hook model, I've switched to 10# test PP for my main line, with a 6# test fluoro leader. I've been loosing a few good smallies using the same hook set technique I'm use to....occurring usually on the first jump. Ended up, the last time out, having to actually use a "bass set", as if I were using a Texas rigged plastic! Hammering it home seem to keep me buttoned up pretty well. Not sure why this is, but I'll continue using it and making the appropriate comparisons. Anyone else experience this?

 

One other thing; when you land a fish with the Spin Shot, you need to check the line connects. For whatever reason, the line has a tendency to wrap around the little steel rod and the hook. I've only noticed this after landing a fish. Not whenever I retrieve the DS from down below.

[alexandboi]

Yeah I've noticed the same thing with the loss fish. This may be me over thinking it, but I think its because of the swivel part of the hook. I think that when the fish inhales the lure and you set the hook the normal dropshot way, the swivel actually hits the top of the bass mouth and cause the lure to come out of the bass mouth or it is barely hooked and the bass spits it. Now if you set the hook the traditional way the, as soon as the swivel hits the top of the fishes mouth the hook will also drive into the top of the mouth, since the fish will have less time to react when the notice the little swivel hitting them. Just my thought though... I could be completely wrong haha. 

[J Francho]

I can't help but to pop my drop shot fish with a snap set, so I can't say.  That's a great observation and tip for the hooks.  I use the spin shots when fun fishing.  In a tournament, it takes too much time to retie, more than double the time for me, since a Uni knot can give me trouble if I've got the "shaky hands" from my diabetes.  They do prevent twist nicely, though they won't remedy already twisted line. 

[Fishes in trees]

In my opinion those spin shot hooks are more trouble than they are worth.  Even in light to moderate cover, they flop around and get hung up more than I like.  IMO the Gamakatsu Wicked wacky hooks are better because they always stay aligned with the line and they snag random stuff much less often.

[Felix77]

I'm a big fan of the VMC Spinshots.  I pre-rig a few and put them into those plastic license holders when I have a tournament.  I particularly like the EWG hooks.  With those I can fish sparse/moderate grass without much trouble.  It has caught me some good fish this year.

[Crestliner2008]

More negativism to report on these Spin Shot hooks. We lost FIVE decent smallies in the first hour of fishing yesterday! I'm attributing these boatside losses to the hooks. I'm concluding this because we've never lost anything like this using the Gamakatsu drop shot hooks, in years past. Actually, if you are buttoned up with the Gammys, you'll stay buttoned up until you bring the fish over the gunnel. They are that good.

 

The idea of the Spin Shot I like. I just don't have enough faith in the design to continue using it at this time. We did bring in one decent bass - on the Gammys - before we quit for the morning, so all was not lost! Here's my partner's best for the day:

 

[Brian Needham]

I like the VMC

 

i too understand the "wrapping issue" during the fight of the fish.

 

I have only noticed the not being able to reel set when the fish are not fully taking the bait, which is not the hooks fault.

a good remedy nonetheless is... bend the hook point up some, to open the bend and give it more bite.

[PABASS]

Good to know I am curious to know if you plan on trying these "Gamakatsu Swivel Shot G-Finesse Hook"  I like the design on these much better.

[thehooligan]

I have no problems with hookups with the gami swivel shot hooks. Only downside is there expensive...