VMC 9171PS Open Eye Siwash Hooks

Sharper than stock. Lighter than trebles. The single-hook plug upgrade.

VMC 9171PS Open Eye Siwash hooks are the single-hook upgrade serious plug fishermen reach for when they want to replace stock trebles with a cleaner, lighter, sharper alternative. Originally designed for salmon fishermen, these hooks have earned a permanent spot in the saltwater plug-tuning kit — they cast cleaner without the wind resistance of a treble, hook better in the corner of the mouth, and make releasing fish faster and safer.

Key Features

• Open eye design — requires crimping or split-ring closing to install
• Lighter than equivalent treble hooks (less drag on plug action)
• Sticky-sharp out of the package, holds its point through hard fights
• Chemically sharpened for durability and bite
• Sizes from 1/0 up to 8/0 cover everything from small bombers to large needlefish
• 10-pack pricing makes converting a plug bag manageable

Specs

Sizing & Use

• 2/0: Bombers, stubby needlefish, smaller plugs
• 3/0: Small darters, needlefish, poppers (around 1 oz plugs)
• 4/0: 1 oz plugs where added tail weight would affect action
• 5/0 or 6/0: 2+ oz plugs like big Danny Swimmers, Beachmaster swimmers, darters
• Crimp the open eye closed with split-ring pliers or small crimping pliers — or use the open eye to clip onto an existing split ring

Why We Like It

Switching a plug from trebles to a single Siwash is one of the cleanest upgrades a surfcaster can make. The plug swims better without the drag of a treble, you get fewer hooks in your hand when unhooking blues, and fish release cleanly. The 9171PS is light enough to keep the plug's action, sharp enough to hook on the first thump, and priced so a 10-pack of upgrades is well under $20.