Is This The FUTURE Of Texas Rigging Plastics For Bass? I Vote Yes!

[@frankvaughn9080]

I'm a cancer survivor, u got this. Much love. Keep on doing what you're doing!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thank you!

[@Carmine_Gallo]

I put a small bobber stopper above the knot to keep the weight from sliding all the way down.

[@dougsaroma]

That's what I was thinking when I saw this video. Hadn't seen these before, but it seems like putting a bead between the weight and the hook would accomplish the same thing, but probably cheaper.

[@MattStefanFishing]

bobber stop protects the knot but doesnt give the bait the free swinging action of the O ring.

[@willperryman4559]

Matt, I am glad you took care of your health and I have been working with my dermatologist for the past 8 months removing moles and “barnacles” from my head and face, and don’t be self- conscious of any part of how it looks,it’s gonna heal quickly and just add a bit more character 😜 I am 73 years old and grew up fishing with my dad and that was before there was even sunscreen 😮 I was on the swim team for 10 years every summer and I used to fish on Kentucky lake with my brother and there was no sun shirts until I found them in Florida in the late 90’s🤷🏻‍♂️ I keep you in my prayers that you stay clear of any further issues and you kick ass this 2023 season 🍀🎣🍀💯🙏✊

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the positive words!

[@scottsinclair9525]

I've been using a ringed hook since before they made them. I used to use split rings. I definitely believe it makes a difference both in bites and hook-up ratio. Big believer here!

[@jeffreymurphy5313]

I was just thinking a splint ring may work so I don't have to purchase all new hooks. Glad to hear you're already doing it. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good to know!

[@scottsinclair9525]

@@jeffreymurphy5313 get good rings though. Owner was what I used before the vmc ringed hook. The owner #3 hyper wire is golden!

[@tonywilson9313]

Awsome

[@samuelschult985]

It's good to see you're progressing well after the intervention, OK back to your ring hook during my Red Man days late 80s early 90s I noticed I would miss a high percentage off flipping bites one night before a tournament I was looking at my hooks trying to figure out what I was doing wrong and then the thought came to put a split ring on a Owner hook and a Gamakatsu just wanted to compare, Matt from that following day I was convinced that was the perfect set up for flipping my hook up ratio increased tremendously here's the kicker I never told anyone what I was doing I would always cut my hooks off before coming in to weigh inn's, had some friends that would open the rod compartment to see what I had tied on, great video 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome! thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@brunomorbidus6246]

All the best for you Matt. Wish you a strong recover and lots of health, so you might keep fishing and sharing your knowledge for many and many years to come. I have two aunties struggling with Cancer, its hard but we got to stay positive and keep it under vigilance. I really like your channel and I always learn a lot with your videos. I´m from Portugal and I only fish from the bank , which I think is very different from fishing in a boat but I find a lot of good tips in your channel. About this subject, the ringed hook, I can tell you that here in Portugal I have seen people using it since like 10,12 years ago. Personally I have some hooks ringed that way and it really let´s the bait work freely than having the knot attached directly in the hook, it also gives a little more protection to the knot himself. Sorry for my English... Thanks for all your work and keep strong.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@rfouxsr]

Matt,really enjoy your channel. THe information is tremendous and helps me catch fish that i may not have caught before. Your proof that you can teach and old dog new tricks. I am seventy years young and still learn from you guys,thanks a lot !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! glad I can help!

[@dmeager13]

I have been doing the same thing for years except I put a bobber stop between the weight and the hook. It not only gives debate more action, but also helps protect the not from the bullet weight.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

Been on them rings for a few years now … I live by em, especially when I’m run’n heavy weightless T-rigs. My brother got me on em… became a believer. The movement when you’re drag’n bottom too OOWWWWWEEE!!! Love em

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@TheSleepyApe]

Wishing you well. I snell tie most of my hooks. Roland Martin has been preaching this for years.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@shadybanks8625]

Thanks for sharing this Matt. The Gamakatsu welded ring version came out in 2007. I don't know why everyone is so reluctant to try it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good hook!

[@randylawrence450]

Hey Matt, we have been doing the same basic thing for a few years here in the mid west only with a football style swing head jig. We call em wobble heads. Definitely gets more strikes than a standard Texas rig set up, and they are great in heavy cover or open water. They work especially well on a mud bottom. I'm sure we aren't alone in this, but I can say I've never seen anyone else fish em. Thanks for all your videos. Always great info

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds great!

[@edwardwicht5271]

First I’ve heard of this! Only question that occurred to me was whether hooking percentage suffers, but clearly not if you guys are loving it. As always, thanks for all you do.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@garyhegwer6895]

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery! Thanks for the great vids and tips. Take care brother.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Sorry, i missed that video, Matt. You are in my prayers. I will watch it after this one. I also agree that this is voing to be the way forward for texas rigging.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks! my guess is every hook company makes these o ringed hooks within 3 years

[@abbyfilali3851]

I am glad to hear you got on it!! I have had a couple pretty big gashes taken out… German kid with lots of sunburn as a kid!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats me as a well! Blisters ever summer

[@deancurlee9373]

Oh I also caught my first bladed jig fish today after your video on bladed jigs I trimmed the skirt put on a straight tail fluke and caught a two pounder on it thanks bud

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@josefunes2406]

Matt, we will praying for you and family. You are great motivational person and the bass fishing tip are simple and easy to follow.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ScaleLilyblog]

We always used a piece of sacrificial material, primarily a glass bead. Not only does it help keep the weight from locking up on the hook, but especially with tungsten it was something we did in order not to lose so many of the bigger bass due to break offs. It also adds a very subtle clack. You can get more beads than you will ever use for just a few bucks at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@tfishing8320]

Same affect by just adding a split ring or is the angle of the eye on the hook a problem? Good fortune in your health future, good results on the tournament trail. As someone who will have their 94th chemo treatment in a couple of days and whose primary goal is to see the boat pulled from storage for one last summer, a gentle reminder to be thankful for every day on the water, every time your kids come home from school, every time your wife comes home from work, every text from a close friend, every positive vibe from your fan base. Never take a sunrise for granted.

[@MattStefanFishing]

well said!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I hope you get to fish several more seasons!

[@douglascarr2991]

Yes, that is the same thing I said. You can also the Stand Along Snap clip

[@douglascarr2991]

Yes that is the same thing I said just add a small spilt ring I fish 4 days a week. I will make a video on this technique. (Houston Parks Fishing ). Is the name of my Show.

[@WFSmith]

Hope you get to have more than one season left for you

[@jamesh7469]

VMC makes a good ringed hook also. I use them almost exclusively this year down here in Virginia I also think they are excellent for fishing a weightless fluke because it allows the bait more darting action. I have actually been putting split rings onto the hook I of many of my jigs as well, particularly my flipping jigs and swim jigs. Rings just give a new degree of freedom to basically any bait

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Justfishcatches]

I’m going to the doctor for possibly the same thing. I’m hoping it isn’t bad. But god bless you and I’ll pry for you brother.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck at the doctors! i hope its nothing major for you.

[@MAB1907]

Well Matt I just bought 3 packs of them, I’m sure gonna try it looks like you can drag it over a log or rocks and not get hung up as much we will see, thanks for the great information !!! And good luck this year, hope to see you in the top 5 all year.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks! best of luck fishing!

[@CA-sl2xw]

Hey Matt, my dad is a retired UPS driver. He’s had cancer removed from his face, two different times. Both times lots of stitches and both times NO visible scars! Don’t worry about the scars!! 👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@travisbruno1988]

I haven't watched that video yet ive been working so much but. Im praying you get better and have a speedy recovery. Thanks for the great tips we appreciate you Matt. God Bless and tight lines 🙏🎣🐟

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@damnitman1969]

About a year ago, I made up a bunch of Japanese or Tokyo rigs a fish them. They did not work for me so I took the wire off of them, left the rings on the hooks and have been fishing them Texas style ever since they have worked out very well for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

great to hear!

[@markblackstad8705]

VMC offers several of their hooks ringed as well. I was not aware of the Gammy ones til now. They are a big deal here in Minnesota. As you mentioned Fieder, Douglas, and HellaBass have done some content on them. I'm not totally sold yet but definitely will experiment more with them this coming season. BTW, you were great this week on BTL. Hope to see you on more often there!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! BTL is always a fun time!

[@jessecooper9795]

Been flipping with the Gamakatsu Superline ringed eye hook pretty much since it first came out. VMC does make a great hook too, but I like the angle Gamakatsu has. The difference is like night and day compared to a non ringed hook. Hope you heal up fast!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing your experience!

[@johncruse4275]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! Found this method by accident after running out of normal EWG hooks here in Zambia. Tried to add a split ring, but the line gets tangled in it. VMC also makes some great welded ring EWG's. Happy fishing you all.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Bruh that welded ringed EWG is absolutely astonishing! Didn’t lose a fish all year this past season using the VMC Ringed EWG! There amazing !

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@tomperry7345]

I wasn’t aware of this type of hook, but I will get some and give them a try. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@Natureboy1607]

Great video Matt ! I was not aware of this style hook . For sure I will pick some of them up and try them . And we will keep you in our prayers . Thanks for all you do ! Tight lines .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Please do!

[@stevemyers1611]

I've been doing this since long before the hook came out , when zman came out I thought how to make it easy for the bait to stand up. We have alot of mucky bottom here in Florida so a split ring worked great

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@normanwiggins1320]

Nice find and good topic. Been looking for something like this. Can't count how many times my line has slid around to the open end of the eye and broke fish off. Definitely will be using these. Thanks for the tip

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it helped

[@Brannok812]

Very good demonstration. VMC also sells ringed hooks. I have used them in saltwater (live bait hooks). Same as others noted, I have added a split ring (oval) to hooks I have to get the same effect. Use with a Lindy style sinker to get a wobble-head style bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the info!

[@chrismichaelson5668]

That is such a simple yet effective change to the classic ewg. Would have never even thought about the hook tightening up under a standard ewg. Also sending good fortune and prayers your way from your last video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@erikecklund8481]

Been using the VMC ringed hooks since summer of 2021 here in WA State. I switched originally because the hook-up and land ratio is amazing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@Steve-gc2ei]

Great video and tip! I'll definitely be using this. Also, cocoa butter helps heal scars really well. My brother had an injury to his forehead that required 22 stitches. He applied cocoa butter to it consistently and there is no scar. You wouldn't even know he had stitches there. Praying for you Matt! God is good.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the tips!

[@rexbanner7719]

Not a big VMC fan, but they had the welded ring first. That's why they were able to put that Tokyo rig out so fast because they were already producing the ringed EWGs, they just had had to add the wire. I got into the welded ring VMCs for flukes early on. Makes a big difference in the action and keeps the nose down a little bit.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@patrickmacdougall1472]

Hey Matt, Good luck with your battle and stay covered up!! My Dad just went thru a similar procedure. Great Info. Last year I started putting a red bead on the line between the weight and hook and immediately began catching more bass. I thought it had more to do with the added color. But maybe it freed up the rig just enough to create more action... I will definitly try this hook! Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@timkelly633]

That's why I like to use a rubber peg through the weight. Can peg it 1/4" above the bait and get the movement and the weight doesn't bash the bait up.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks or sharing

[@waynelagarde7956]

Positive vibes only @ Matt Stephen and thanks for all the great information.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@cgward3356]

Looks like something I need to start using here in Florida, hey guy you need to stay healthy , thank you for all you do for us and all the information you provided us.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for your support!

[@ChrisMiller-bu8yo]

Oh this is a game changer I have to try and wouldn't have known about if you hadn't done this video thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

I love this concept...more options for tiny-boat-afficianados, with less rods. I like the idea of quick change between weightless TX, free-rig, and Gika...all with the same hook!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good!

[@bassngal3314]

In salt water fishing we always use loop knots to free up bait movement and so sorry to learn of your basal cell ! When I used to write medical articles for then BassnGal magazine, I had one article I devoted to skin care called “Watch your Skin”, I addressed using sunscreen and it’s importance for anglers. Keep up with your yearly checkups everyone !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the support!

[@kenbrown5449]

The simplest things are the best! I'll be trying this out for sure. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@secretbassrigs]

I've been using those Gamakatsu ringed hooks for years and am very glad to see more suppliers making them. Split rings work for recreational fishing purposes but welded rings are the way to go for tournaments and professionals. It's also nice to not have to worry about your knot slipping into the grooves of a split ring. I don't tournament fish but my pride is always on the line when I go out to school the noobs/googans. I've also been using them in my weighted EWG hook molds for a while and they work great for flukes and sluggos. They also work well when weightless Texas rigging stick baits, giving them a little more wiggle room. For swimbaits I don't think they are necessary, like swing jig heads are not always necessary. I actually believe they can reduce the swimming action for boot tails. They also work great for Carolina rigging. I don't use a pegged Texas rig as much as I used to since the Dropshot, Whacky rig, Splitshot rig, Neko and Free Rig have been more versital finesse techniques in my area with heavily pressured waters and very little aquatic vegetation. Not much punching or pitching being done out here. As I mentioned this previously on the episode where you talked about the "cup rig" a couple of months ago, ringed EWG can also be used on floating plastics for top water. Adding one of those cups to a ringed EWG hook will add an entirely new dimension to your Top water fishing. Matt, I also want to say congratulations on the increased engagement and subscriptions on your channel. I'm not sure if you're going to be able to keep responding to all the comments like you regularly do for very much longer. lol! No need to feel obligated to respond to mine if that's the case. Tight lines buddy!

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill continue to do my best but it is getting difficult to keep up with comments. I agree with everything you said. I can rattle off about 6 or 7 disadvantages to a split ring vs the welded O ring, but I also understand a split ring will be sufficient in some circumstances.

[@pogoshad990]

Where to tie on a split ring is mind boggling to me that there is debate. EXCEPT here where you would need the skinny end at the hook to keep action. I would love to fan the flames and see where Matt sits on this topic for other lures.

[@secretbassrigs]

@@pogoshad990 whenever tying directly to a split ring, I personally prefer tying it at a 90 degree angle from the gaps. I don't like the skinny end being in the eye of the hook. the angle seems off to me and it is also the weakest part of the split ring. Superglue also helps prevent the knot from sliding towards those sharp edges in the split ring.

[@secretbassrigs]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks Matt! my confidence game has really excelled from your replies of approval. You truly are an asset to the community. Tight lines and best wishes, always!

[@kevinloper6551]

I have very been using a heavy split ring on super line hooks for the last year and a half and haven't had any issues. That way you can use your favorite hook of choice. Hope everything heals up fast for you Matt and good luck in Florida.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt. I haven’t tried them. I think at times you may want your bait to follow closely to your weight to help get threw thick mats/cover better, especially if you have your weight un-pegged if your bait doesn’t follow closely you could potentially hang up on certain materials more often (branches/some grasses) but if that is not the case it could definitely be a better option. 🤷‍♂️Perhaps one could make their own by adding a small O-ring to the hook of their choice. I add center pin screw locks to hooks of my choice often and this would be similar. Lastly when not pegged and during the retrieve/rod swing your bait follows the weight horizontally to the hook as you demonstrated. With this ring attachment/method it appears some baits wouldn’t but I certainly see where it could be the best option.🤠

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im still learning it but Ive seen a pile of positives while using them!

[@lanehensley3271]

Get well soon. Thanks for sharing. Always great content. Tight lines.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@williamclark5629]

That is just brilliant best video of the year so many times I have had the weight push down on plastic with the new max sent being so soft if weight hits worm at all it tare up bait going to order now your the man

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@PigSticker151]

I have not used any of the ringed hooks. I usually put a bobber stop between my sinker and hook to give it more action along with protecting my knot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

try the o ring it gives it a lot more action!

[@Fishingwithfaithoutdoors23]

I use a split ring on a 0/3 EWG hook when i fish a gilly. I’ll have to try it on a T-Rig. As good as a t-rig is , this should make it even better! Praying brother. Put God first and your problems will be easy to handle. God bless. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@strykfishontv7397]

I feel like Tokyo rigs give this same type of movement. I create my own using split rings and the movement is so fluid. 🤙🏾

[@MattStefanFishing]

its similar

[@patobrien7009]

I'm a redhead that worked outside my entire life. I've had basil cell, squamous cell and three bouts of Melanoma. Use sunscreen, wear big hats, and see your doctor yearly. Nice video, I'll look for the ringed hooks. Good luck.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@stephenzeppenfeldt221]

Glad to hear you’re doing well. Keep up the great videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@marcmarcantonio]

I am a long-time Gamakatsu prostaffer and have been using the welded ring superline hook on the west oast since they came out. I am trying now to get them to do the same thing with several other style hooks in the G-Finesse series.

[@MattStefanFishing]

that would be awesome!

[@alanaho4915]

I've had 5 basil cells removed. Not good, but doing okay. Healed nicely, no scars believe it or not. Good luck on yours.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@allboatnotackle3698]

There is no down side to this rig! Thank you for sharing!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@tristanbramblett5244]

I had not been using these because I didn’t know about them! I will definitely be moving to these going forward!

[@MattStefanFishing]

give them a try!

[@tristanbramblett5244]

I definitely will!

[@randycrabtree6495]

The rigging is endless in the presentation... Thanks for your out-of-the-box content...

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@kevindunn3883]

Hey Matt! Wonder if your channel gets any attention? I placed some 4/0 and 2/0 Gamakatsu Super Line ringed hooks in my Tackle Warehouse cart last night and the 2/0 are already out of stock this morning! I saw Scott's post from yesterday. If you go to the bottom of the Gamakatsu page on TW (search by brand), they have Super Line split rings you can order for existing hooks. Gamakatsu also has three different types of hooks (Neko, G-Finesse, and TGW Spin Bait) with pre-attached swivels that may also serve the same purpose and cut down on line twist; however, none have the worm bend offset. Keep up the great work and heal fast!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@josephrichmond5105]

Thanks for the great content as always Matt but I found out this by mistake last year watch Mike iconeli video on the the Berkley gilly and one of ways he said put a ring on a 4/0 ewg I did that and the gilly wasn’t working for me so took off the gilly and put on a rage bug and had a field day I only lost one the whole day and seeing you talk about it now is amazing to me that a pro is doing same thing thanks Matt keep it coming 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting! ill have to give it a try!

[@williamgould2470]

Not currently doing it but like anything else I will give it a try and See if I feel it makes a difference. Thanks for the tip. Hopefully your head will be healed up by the time you get to. Good luck there

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@shadybanks8625]

Nogales makes a HM Ring Offset Monster Hook that has a welded ring and a swivel. I have been using it with a Jenko Creature Weight and it's wild how that weight gives baits a glide instead of a straight fall.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@davidschrader8844]

Super content as always Matt, Get well soon, I also went through similar basil on my neck.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i hope you are doing better!

[@kevinrobinson5196]

Dang it! I knew it was just a matter of time b4 this was a thing. I am so happy ive had it to myself for almost 10 years! Fish on Fish on! ♥️yall

[@MattStefanFishing]

you got a big advantage!

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

Awesome tip! Thanks for sharing!! I haven't heard about this hook in Central Texas. VMC makes some. Amazon has some.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes they do! I added the VMC link to the video description as well.

[@beloskhanania5645]

Matt you're spot on. When I switched to a ringed hook a couple of years ago I noticed I got a lot more bites. By the way VMC makes them as well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@HCfishing23]

Haven't seen this yet here in SE Wisconsin. Will definitely be picking up these hooks to give them a try!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You should!

[@terrytresemer2864]

I've had to watch this for a fourth time now, I think I've relapse with this crud. The hook...I don't know how I missed this one! I try to stay on the cutting edge of things and been totally blindsided by this. I will be looking into this one! Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tyl0rC]

Been dragging a tx rig across the bottom recently, doing the same with a jig. Never seen these hooks before, going to be a definite upgrade

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it a try!

[@rvfishingyet]

Very cool mod. I will look for those and give em a try. Great to hear your doing well!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@SGM97B]

I put a plastic bead in front of the knot so the Wright doesn't slam into the knot. It does almost the same thing but maybe not quite as free moving.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it helps but not as freely as the o ring does. thanks for sharing

[@LarryDean903]

I’ve done by adding a split ring to the hook then tying to the split ring.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can in some instances. a lot of the split rings are two big to fit in the hook eye and the ones that do fit are often to week and spread open leading to breakoffs and the knot sliding off the split ring. the welded o ring is clearly better IMO but that doesnt have to stop you from trying it.

[@mathewsarrowslinger2787]

Never heard of it until this video. Heading to Florida in 2 weeks. Going to give this a shot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@Smallmouthnation]

Started with Jika Rig, Gammy, owner, and Zappu makes the ringed hooks

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Budget_bassin]

I have to say this is the first I’ve heard of this. I’m gonna try this.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@miltonalbright1606]

That sounds good too me I will try them if I can get them milt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope you enjoy

[@muskybites505]

Just my observation here: the ringed hook is great for vegetation. Definitely more action and bites. However, flipping wood it is terrible. That is where I go to a snell knot on an ewg. I have yet to see anyone doing this. It keeps you more snag free than any soft plastic rig I have found in wood because your hook stays upright. A straight shank hook will penetrate the plastic too easily and you will get more snags. And with a snell knot there are NO break offs at the knot. You’re all welcome😉.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@RocketDaryl]

Best wishes on your health Matt! I haven't had to have any carving done on my noodle, but my dermatologist as frozen 2 or 3 pre-cancerous spots on my face and nose over the last few years. I go every year for a checkup and strongly recommend everyone do the same. If it's caught early (pre-cancerous), it's a simple freeze job by the dermatologist and that's the end of it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill be doing 6 month checkups now

[@mikeantes9597]

Thanks Matt 🙏for fast recovery.I wonder how a loop knot with a bobber stop to protect knot and then weight would work?

[@MattStefanFishing]

only one way to find out. give it a try!

[@kevinhenderson6485]

The bad thing about a loop knot is that they’re not strong knots, meaning their breaking point is only about 50-60 % of line strength where as a palomar or trilene knot are near 100%. My guess is that it would work in the same manner as the ringed hook as far as action and also preventing the fish from throwing the bait. Could just add a split ring to your standard worm/ewg hook and get the same effect I think. Nonetheless I’ve never done either and thank you Matt for the great video.

[@mikeantes9597]

@@kevinhenderson6485 thank you going to give the split ring a try .Love it on my wobble heads .

[@NelsonBurtonIV]

Will give this a try! Sending prayers as well!🙏🏽

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Had to come back to this one, hard to keep track of how many ways there are to "simplify" my setup! Ringed hooks are not available locally, but Gika rigs are, just unclip the weight. I'm also going with the added split ring method. Maybe not as good, but I've got enough hooks that are already paid for

[@MattStefanFishing]

Excellent!

[@emilianobanzi9432]

I put the O ring 90% of the time in my worm hook, I started doing that 2 years ago for fluke and soft stick baits, in particular for the Deps Cover Scat, Sakamata shad and Geecrack IMO Ripper to let the bait jerk more efficiently. Since that I utilize the o ring for a bunch of other soft baits

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@antbrown71]

Definitely going to try it and will keep you posted

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@paintersplusAZ]

I found the same basic effect using 2 bobber stops to protect my knot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting

[@davidbeddard7450]

About the scar, as Steve said earlier cocoa butter does wonders, I used it after hernia surgery, and you can hardly tell. Good luck though.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing! ill give it a try!

[@maxcole3930]

I haven't fished any texas riggs without a #2 split ring sense the first time I tried it. Has so much more action & like I said I got idea from liking the action from my wobble heads.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@johncoopes1056]

Seth got me on those hooks via one of his YT videos. Those hooks make a huge difference. Michigan

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im really a big fan as well!

[@JLaird-ji1qr]

Picked some up after seeing a wired2fish video with Fieder talking about then a year or so back…..VMC makes ringed hooks also …… I like them quite a bit personally

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@tomstclair961]

I believe the ringed hook is a solid ring ,and not a split ring.. I've had that braid slip right through the pinch at the top of hook. So I now it will walk through a splitring. I've lost lures using split rings.. Now they are tack welded the shut. . I haven't seen one of the knew Gamagatsu hooks yet myself, That would definitely make a huge difference . When it's tight up against the bottom of that mat, and you are jiglling that thing!! I bet it's flip flopping from side, to side! Great little trick right there.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@dclark583]

Glad your ok, and definitely helpful to everyone

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@farrzmd3038]

I actually started to try the ringed hooks after using a Tokyo rig. It’s my go to hook buoyant plastics.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@jessecooper9795]

Buy the Tokyo rig with the straight shank and cut the hardware off except for the ring. Nobody else makes a ringed eye straight shank hook

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

I think that is a great improvement. The bait gets more action to get more bites. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mikegardiner3934]

Hi Matt! It’s almost like a TXrig wobble head. haha. I will have to try that. It can only help add action, as long as it doesn’t affect good hook sets!! 👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

I dont think it hurts hooksets at all

[@mikeeller557]

Split ring works well. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@barefootgrl]

yes these hooks have been around awhile i use all the time i think they make a big difference in action

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve been using the Gammy ringed hooks for a year along with VMC has a lighter wire ringed hook, and I was in the minute I saw them and I agree 💯 and yes, you gave up a sleeper😜 Fish-On Bro 😎

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the info!

[@chipsterblack7950]

I've always used a clip and get the same results....plus I can change out my baits quickly 😉

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!