Are there any distinct advantages to the VMC Spinshot hooks vs. tying in a standard drop-shot hook?  Not that they're overly expensive, but am wondering if they really reduce line twist or improve hookup enough to pay the extra?

If you use standard spinning gear, yes it does reduce line twist some. Of course you can get line twist out on a spinning reel at the end of the day by cutting off the hook and running behind the boat. If you use the VMC spin-shot, I prefer the Neko spin-shot, size #4. Better hook-up/landing ratio IMO. I see Wheeler uses that too..

They reduce some of the twist, but its just a piece of wire so if the bait isn't tracking straight you still get twists.  The spin shot style hooks are a little easier to change from or to a DS and you save the length of the tag in line.  I do think the traditional DS hook gives you a better presentation because the hook is static instead of sliding around a wire.  If I do use a spin shot style hook I like the Trokar Helix over the VMC.  

I agree it seems to reduce line twist some but not a game changer IMO.  I basically use these almost exclusively for dropshotting….I actually prefer a normal drop shot hook

as I tie one palomar knot vs two for the spinshot, but I found probably 30 packs of the spinshot on clearance for $0.50 each a d couldn’t resist 

9 hours ago, camman said:

..but I found probably 30 packs of the spinshot on clearance for $0.50 each a d couldn’t resist 

That's a deal!?  They're $7+tax for a 4-pack up here.

Sure...there are other ways to rig a DS rig to reduce twist but spin shot hooks are convenient and I have used them ever season and really like them .

7 minutes ago, thunderblack said:

Sure...there other ways to rig a DS rig to reduce twist but spin shot hooks are convenient and I have used them ever season and really like them .

Same here - and they come in a variety of styles...regular, Neko, off-set worm...there's one for each type of bait I use on a DS.

I haven't really found they give you any inherent advantages on hookup or anything, but they are convenient. I will absolutely pay for them instead of having to tie another dropshot rig for the 1000th time. 

The NEKO version is best, just wish it had a keeper.

 

Now that I throw the bubba shot more, I usually just use a uni and pass