Hey robbor, just to be clear, I don't know where you got the idea that I said that the hooks "suck" on the Slammer. In my big plug article I note that the Mustad hooks are decent but should either be sharpened or replaced with gammies. On the 12" plug and on my 12" generic trout I have been using the stock Mustads because you can't get a gammie hook that is big enough for these baits. I just sharpen them with a metal file. No biggie.

As far as the lure not being painted in the female part of the hinge, they are all like that, they always have been. The entire lure is sealed and primered before painting. That inside hinge piece just doesn't get the final paint and overcoat. It won't cause you any problems.

I don't know whats up with your rusted split ring. Mike sure as hell doesn't ship them off that way. Where did you buy yours?

As for the bouyancy, you bet they are bouyant, that's how they have been forever. I think people mistakenly think that the lure is somehow supposed to be like the Castaic soft trout or something. The Slammer was made long before the Castaic softbait was ever invented, it's a topwater and shallow running bait. Ask Carrot Top about that one :-)

I hope your plug treats you right. It sounds like you're doing the right thing and trying out most of the big plug options out there. Everyone has their favorite and I'm sure you will find yours whether it's the Slammer or the Castaic or the Osprey or whatever.