I heard the osprey lure needs to be modified before use. Otherwise it will become a $15 useless peice of plastic after a fish nails it. Does anyone know about this modification? I have just picked one up and would appreciate some tips.

I wouldn't really call it a modification, but a total re-rigging... I don't know of any minor modification that keeps the bait from ripping. The only thing I've figured out is running a piece of tubing through the bait where the wire is, and then either tying directly to a split ring with the treble attached, on the underside of the bait, or rigging a similar wire device, much like the existing one, only narrower, and run that through the tubing. This should allow the bait to slide up the line as soon as the treble pulls out of the bait, but I haven't tested it yet.
-Brian

I think Chris at Bass World West in OC is good at rigging 'em

Somebody, go on a mission to bass world west and find out what he does.... Then post and let me know, I'm interested to hear what he does.
-Brian

Thanks guys.

I talked to chris at bass world west last week about this very subject and he had the same sentiments about some doctoring needing to be done.I am going to head down there and get one done custom by him.He has a wealth of information.

Be sure to post your findings, I'm interested to hear what he has to say. I should've asked him about it when I was down there...
-Brian

Edit: dude, I suck at posting tonight.

Erik at Erik's Tackle in Ventura showed me how to modify the Osprey with a stinger hook.
You need to run some steel leader wire through the bait to the top side of the bait about 2 1/2 to 3 inches from the end of the tail. Then crimp (using salt water crimp tubes) one end of the leader to the lures main line tie and on the other end, place a smaller treble hook for your stinger. The reason for the smaller treble was to not kill the action of the tail. Hope this helps.

Yeah, Eric showed me that a long time ago. I'm going down there tomorrow, I'll make him do it again...
-Brian