Problem with Whopper Plopper

[abkeenan]

3 hours ago, Ham said:

I'm not sure you could find a worse one than what they use, but because they are easy to find how about Spro or Worth or Molix or heck even the XPS ones. 

Owner and Spro if you want 100% fool proof and peace of mind. If you are in a pinch and want to take a risk Eagle Claw or Danielson will work. If immediate failure is your goal purchase Bass Pro split rings.  Haven't tried Worth, VMC or Molix.

[Ham]

Just now, abkeenan said:

If immediate failure is your goal purchase Bass Pro split rings.  .

Lol, that's funny stuff.

In all honesty, I have never had a problem with split rings other than the WP. The Bass Pro ones I have used have been just fine, but if I would think the Spro or Owner take all doubt out of the equation.

[abkeenan]

11 minutes ago, Ham said:

Lol, that's funny stuff.

In all honesty, I have never had a problem with split rings other than the WP. The Bass Pro ones I have used have been just fine, but if I would think the Spro or Owner take all doubt out of the equation.

Well I used some Bass Pro ones YEARS ago and they were the small size, maybe a size 0 or 1? They were total trash. I wouldn't dare use them again. It goes back to a thread we had going a few weeks ago about the price of baits and upgrading components. I understand if you have a tight budget and just can not afford to spend any extra on better hooks, rings, etc. But if you can afford it and don't upgrade hardware on some baits (the WP in this case) you are risking losing fish, perhaps THE FISH. I don't get to fish NEARLY as much as I would like as I am 4 hours from TR and have a growing family of 4 (+2 furry, slobbering children). So when the stars align, the I-44 Sea parts, the wife has a momentary lapse in judgement and I get to get away for a weekend I want to make the most of it. You spend all this money to chase these green and brown fish between gas, boat (and maintenance), rods, reels, line, baits, etc etc etc and you don't want to spend an extra $20 to upgrade your baits to ensure you have the best possible trip? I just don't get that. For one Jefferson (I guess a "Tubman" soon) and about 20 min of your time swapping components on suspect baits in order to land more fish without issue and have peace of mind with every cast that is a small price to pay. 

[Ham]

I love to fish. I prefer to fish with quality gear. It gives me my best chance to be successful and I enjoy the experience more if I am not fighting against my equipment. Quality gear last longer and it is just more enjoyable to fish with. I'm not hung up on any particular brand name and if I can find the quality level I desire at a LOW price all the better. I'm not in a pissing contest to see who can spend more on their fishing toys. 

I sweat unnecessary details at times, but I will put in time off the water to make my time on the water better.

[top_dollar]

Just when im about to pull the trigger on one of these dumb things i see this post. :/  Im sure i will still buy one, but idk that it will replace a well walked chug bug or top dollar for me.  From the videos i see, it seems like it causes a commotion much like a buzzing frog or shad (rage tail shad). 

[abkeenan]

Just now, Ham said:

I love to fish. I prefer to fish with quality gear. It gives me my best chance to be successful and I enjoy the experience more if I am not fighting against my equipment. Quality gear last longer and it is just more enjoyable to fish with. I'm not hung up on any particular brand name and if I can find the quality level I desire at a LOW price all the better. I'm not in a pissing contest to see who can spend more on their fishing toys. 

I sweat unnecessary details at times, but I will put in time off the water to make my time on the water better.

You and I are in the same boat. Well said. I have all sorts of brands and am not a "fan boy" of certain things. If they work...they work. Although I am becoming more and more partial to Daiwa stuff. Plus my HUK/Daiwa rebate hoodie just came yesterday, so I have to pimp their gear now I guess. It's no jersey like Champ likes to sport but it will work.

[Ham]

3 minutes ago, top_dollar said:

Just when im about to pull the trigger on one of these dumb things i see this post. :/  Im sure i will still buy one, but idk that it will replace a well walked chug bug or top dollar for me.  From the videos i see, it seems like it causes a commotion much like a buzzing frog or shad (rage tail shad). 

The problem with WP's to me is that they are red hot, but will IMO gradually lose their effectiveness. Do Not Misunderstand. They are freaking awesome right now and you do not own a bait that does what it does to fish. No one owns a bait that complete replicates what it does. The WP is not a magic bullet. It doesn't catch fish that aren't there. It doesn't catch fish when conditions are completely wrong, but it's special (right now at least). I suspect I'm going to get left holding a rather expensive bag down the road, but I'll ride it as long as I can.

Buy a couple of the WP's. Just change out the split rings before you lose the hook to a fish.

[176champion]

This may seem like a dumb question...but what size split rings is the norm....like #2's and # 3's or what...thanks..

[Ham]

20 minutes ago, 176champion said:

This may seem like a dumb question...but what size split rings is the norm....like #2's and # 3's or what...thanks..

Is there really an industry standard? On the 90"s I think a #2 is about right. I would replace it with something close in size to the original one, but just made a whole lot better. a #3 is kinda big.  #0 would be too small. Go all Goldilocks on em.  

[Quillback]

I like Owner Hyper wire myself, relatively thin diameter wire compared to some other rings, but they are strong and do not deform when you are putting them on or taking them off.  I use the #2's for the 90 Plopper, jerk baits, and medium sized cranks.  #3 for 130 Ploppers and bigger cranks, top waters.

If you look at them (Owners) on Tackle Warehouse, they have a chart with inner/outer dimensions and breakage ratings.  Might be more info than anyone wants or needs, but it is there.  Unfortunately it is not there for the other brands of rings, so it is hard to make comparisons. 

I really like Texas Tackle split ring pliers for those smaller rings like the #2.