First Impressions of Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack is a seemingly small, unassuming package, but within it lies a potential game-changer for any angler who relies on soft plastic baits. Owner is a well-respected name in the fishing world, known for producing high-quality hooks and terminal tackle. These Centering-Pin Springs (CPS) promise to permanently secure soft plastic baits to your hook, theoretically eliminating the frustration of constantly re-rigging after every strike or snag. Having spent years battling the constant tear and slip of soft plastics, I was eager to see if these lived up to the hype.
I’ve always struggled with the trade-off between realistic presentation and secure rigging. Weedless hooks can dampen the action of a swimbait, while exposed hooks lead to more frequent snags. I was looking for a system that would allow me to fish my soft plastics confidently in heavy cover without sacrificing the bait’s natural movement.
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack arrives in a simple, clear plastic package. The initial impression is one of simplicity and functionality, not flashy marketing. The springs themselves appear well-made, the stainless steel gleaming slightly. They’re small and lightweight, suggesting they won’t significantly impact the bait’s action. Compared to using glue or other makeshift methods for securing soft plastics, these looked like a much more elegant and potentially more effective solution. I picked these over bulkier, screw-lock style hooks because of the smaller profile, which is critical for pressured fish. My first thought was, “Can something this tiny really hold up to repeated casts and hard strikes?”
Real-World Testing: Putting Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack on a bass fishing trip to a local lake known for its heavy vegetation. The conditions were typical for summer: warm water, clear skies, and plenty of submerged weeds. I rigged a few different soft plastic swimbaits and creature baits using the CPS springs and paired them with Owner Offset Worm Hooks. It took a few tries to get the hang of inserting the pin and screwing the bait onto the spring, but once I did, the process became quick and easy.
The immediate benefit was apparent: my soft plastics were much more secure. Typically, after a few casts into heavy cover, my baits would be torn or pulled down the hook shank. With the CPS springs, they stayed perfectly in place, even after repeatedly bumping them through the weeds. The ease of use was surprising: I expected a learning curve.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack has proven to be a valuable addition to my tackle box. The durability of the springs themselves is impressive. I haven’t experienced any breakage or deformation, even after catching multiple fish and snagging on countless submerged objects.
Maintaining the CPS springs is virtually nonexistent. I simply rinse them off with fresh water after each fishing trip to remove any debris. Compared to constantly replacing damaged soft plastics, the Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack has saved me both time and money. It has outperformed traditional rigging methods by leaps and bounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack
Specifications
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack consists of:
- Interchangeable Stainless Steel Centering-Pin Springs: These are the heart of the system. They allow for permanent securing of soft plastic baits.
- Attachment to Hook Eyes: The springs easily attach to the eye of your chosen hook. They create a secure connection point.
- Centering-Pin Design: The pin is inserted into the center of the bait’s nose. This provides a perfectly aligned rig.
- Coil Spring: The bait is screwed onto the coil spring after the pin is inserted. This secures the bait to the hook shank.
These specifications are critical because they address the common problem of soft plastics tearing and slipping. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance, essential for fishing in various water conditions. The centering-pin design guarantees that the bait is rigged straight, which is crucial for maintaining a natural presentation and maximizing hook-up ratios.
Performance & Functionality
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack performs exceptionally well in securing soft plastic baits. This drastically reduces the need for re-rigging. The secure hold translates to more time fishing and less time fiddling with tackle.
The main strength is the unparalleled bait security. There are no significant weaknesses. It has exceeded my expectations for a simple terminal tackle component.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple yet effective. It makes rigging soft plastics quick and easy. The small size and lightweight construction ensure minimal impact on the bait’s action.
The system is incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability. It resists corrosion in both fresh and saltwater environments. Maintenance is minimal: simply rinse with fresh water after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack doesn’t come with many accessories, as it is a simple terminal tackle component. However, its compatibility with a wide range of hooks and soft plastic baits makes it highly versatile. It works perfectly with Owner TwistLOCK hooks, but can also be used with other brands.
Pros and Cons of Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack
Pros
- Unparalleled Bait Security: Keeps soft plastics firmly attached, even after repeated casts and strikes.
- Improved Hook-Up Ratio: Bait stays in the optimal position for hooking fish.
- Time and Money Savings: Reduces the need for replacing damaged soft plastics.
- Easy to Use: Simple and quick rigging process.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel resists corrosion and wear.
Cons
- Can slightly reduce the action of very small, finesse baits.
- Price point may deter some anglers from trying.
Who Should Buy Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack?
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack is perfect for anglers who frequently use soft plastic baits, especially in heavy cover or when targeting aggressive fish. This is a must-have for bass fishermen, saltwater inshore anglers, and anyone who values efficiency and reliability on the water. It is also perfect for anglers using swimbaits for musky or pike.
Anglers who primarily use hard baits or rarely fish soft plastics may not find this product essential.
A must-have accessory is a good pair of needle-nose pliers for easy pin insertion.
Conclusion on Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack
The Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack is a small but mighty addition to any angler’s tackle box. It delivers on its promise of securely rigging soft plastic baits. The price of $4.75 is justified by the increased efficiency, reduced bait waste, and improved hook-up ratios it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Owner Hooks CPS Spring Pocket Pack to any angler who wants to maximize their time on the water and minimize the frustration of constantly re-rigging. Add this simple and effective tool to your arsenal, and experience the difference it can make in your fishing success. Upgrade your soft plastic game today!