Why Cirle Hooks?

AngleThis · 05-07-2002, 08:54 PM

What is the reasoning behind circle hooks? I've only used them once and that was the one and only time I fished for hali and did not bag. They would appear to be harder to set the hook with than other hooks. What don't I get??

tailchaser · 05-08-2002, 06:12 AM

The original intent of circle hooks was for long-lining commercial sets for halibut because they can more or less set themselves. Once a good set is in, it's rare that you loose one. Charters also use them because you don't necessarily have to set the hook either and it's easier to tell a client to just start reeling and not worry about setting the hook.

The cons are sometimes the hook doesn't set so easily. If the bait isn't completely swallowed or the point doesn't catch the lip, the inbetween section is hard for a circle hook to get a grip. Then the fish will spit the rig about 30' off the bottom and you're ******.

The solution is to bend the shank of the hook so the point is definitely showing to the left or right of the shank and give a good jerk to get some meat into the exposed point. I was never a believer until we started using this method in Alaska last year. We only lost one fish out of about 80 that we landed. Made a believer out of me.
:grin:
tc

Pilar · 05-08-2002, 07:23 AM

Offset the point! Don't set the hook, just start reeling.

Threemuch · 05-08-2002, 07:55 AM

No hookset at all. I think most people who decide circle hooks are no good are still fishing them like J hooks. Dead stick it. Reel very slowly for the first 100' or so until that hook is wedged in the corner of their mouth.
KB

TeamYeeha · 05-09-2002, 09:45 PM

********* Circle hooks are used longlining and Biggame fishing such as Marlin and Halibut for the reason that when these big fish do break off and eventually try passing the hook a circle hook will pass easier and is safer on these big fish. I belive in them 100%
Like Pilar said offset the point and the hookups come easy :grin:
Circle hooks are safer for the fish if you want to call any hook safe I'm sure the BUTTS aren't going to like em come Saturday :grin: :smile:

YEEHA

Pilar · 05-13-2002, 08:06 AM

Hey, South Paw, tell us why we should use circle hooks........

Hook-up · 05-13-2002, 06:40 PM

This may seem obvious, but do not bury the point in the bait. A fish can spit it out easier without getting hooked if the point is covered with bait.

Mr. Fisherman · 05-13-2002, 06:54 PM

That's WHY! Any questions? :grin:

Jennie@ifish · 05-14-2002, 02:09 PM

Hey! Trade you a bunch of good circle hooks for some of that above hali!!!
:smile:
Jen