Using circle hooks
August 25th 2008 00:09
As we learned yesterday, circle hooks have been around a long time. Despite this, through a renewed interest, they appear to be something new!
The fish catching ability of circle hooks can not be denied! After the hook is swallowed (often literally) by a fish, the angler applies a steady pressure upon retrieval which not only sets the hook but also pulls the hook form the animal's stomach! It is the unique, curved shape of the circle hook that allows this.
The fish catching ability of circle hooks can not be denied! After the hook is swallowed (often literally) by a fish, the angler applies a steady pressure upon retrieval which not only sets the hook but also pulls the hook form the animal's stomach! It is the unique, curved shape of the circle hook that allows this.
Almost any species that can be caught with a hook and line is fair game for the circle hook. In fact, commercial fishermen have been using circle hooks for years. Despite this, a circle hook is NOT the best choice for small fish! Nor is it practical for fish that nibble at the bait before biting because proper hooking requires the hook to be fully engulfed in the fish's mouth.
Experience is going to have to be the teacher if a stiff rod is used. Hard as it may be, you MUST remember not to jerk in an effort to set the hook! Nine times out of ten, you're going to pull the hook right out of the fish's mouth. Often times, the fish will hook itself as it swims away. If you use a rod with give, you're going to see your rod tip bend but let it go. When you see that, it means a fish is on the line and it is probably hooking itself as you watch the rod flex.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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Comment by Teeg Stouffer
I love circles for many reasons, and for fast-striking predators, they do great to limit deep-hooking associated with bait.
Some instances still seem to make a "J" a viable choice, like when fishing real small hooks / fish (like panfish) or when fish want to eat and sit rather than eat and run.
Circles are a very important part of the arsenal for every stewardship-minded angler, thanks for these informative posts!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish