Hook Rash problem

[Bunker]

Here's the scenario. I am using Owner ST-66 trebles, 3/0 for the belly and 4/0 for the tail. My lures are made out of the red cedar you find at the bottom of the 'turning squares' page. These pics show punctures from the hooks after two hours of popping, neither of these two had a fish on them. Is this normal because I used cedar which is a much softer wood than birch? I think I may have to switch woods or spray my plugs in gelcoat then prime paint and clear

[Saltyshop]

Hookrash is caused by sharp hooks. It's the mark of a well balanced plug. Your not ever going to stop it. Don't matter if you got hard or soft wood. It's still going to happen but moreso on softer woods.