Although circle hooks are one of the hot "new" items when it comes to fishing and conservation, they've actually been around for centuries. Ancient use of circle hooks was far-reaching to say the least. Archaeologists have discovered circle style hooks in North America as well as Japan and Polynesia.

Exactly what is a circle hook?

A circle hook is on the right and on the left is a common J hook.

The term has been applied to various hook designs; some having only a point that bends back to the shank to true designs of full or partial circles with a point that curves to an even sharper degree. As with so much in fishing, there is not a lot of standardization. In fact, shopping will reveal variations in even their basic design!

Circle hooks have been popularized by commercial fishermen when they are fishing with hooks rather than a net and are unable to tend their lines as you usually would when fishing. A circle hook allows this laid back attitude because the design actually makes the fish hook itself upon biting down on the bait! Keeping this in mind, an everyday angler must remember NOT to jerk the line in a effort to "set" the hook but, rather, apply a steady pressure.

Another nice aspect of using circle hooks is that they usually don't lodge themselves in the innards of a fish so, you probably won't be worrying as much about a "gut hooked" fish because the design allows the hook to simply slide out of a fish's gullet and move into a natural hooking position in the corner of its mouth.

Considering this, one would have to assume these hooks would be great for the beginning angler. Happily, that is exactly right!

One problem with a common hook or "J" hook, is that that they require a sharp jerk to "set" the hook when a fish bites.

I've resisted the temptation to talk about hook setting because it's really tough to tell a person how to set a hook. Some call it a "jerk." Some say, "Tug." Some move their rod upwards. Others pull to the side. You jerk too hard and you'll rip the hook from the fish's mouth. If you don't do it hard enough, the fish may swim away. As you can surmise, it's on of those things where "practice makes perfect!"

So, after reading this you ask, "If circle hooks are so great, why isn't everyone using them?"

Cost is one factor. Any deviation for the standard "J" design is going to cost a little more.

Another problem often encountered is availability. Granted, any major hook manufacturer is going to market circle hooks but, look at the hook selection at any store and you'll notice a predominance of "J" hooks. However, before you blame "faceless corporate giants" consider this: companies are only going to produce what is demanded. If there wasn't a market for "J" hooks they wouldn't be produced.

Finally, part of circle hook's lack of popularity has to be owed to anglers' ignorance of their fish catching ability. Circle hooks are going to decrease the chance of injury to a fish while raising the hook-up rate for anyone using them regardless of their level of expertise. Correct me if I'm wrong but, isn't that the goal in fishing?

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Tomorrow's post will address how to fish with these marvels.

Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!

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