I’ve never used a circle hook before, are they pretty successful for catch and release?
Aug 31, 2021 18:44:39 #
And what size would you recommend for pond fishing - mainly blue Gill, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Aug 31, 2021 19:00:53 #
A circle hook is designed, specifically, for the hook set. I'd say don't use them if your plan is to catch and release.
Aug 31, 2021 19:09:36 #
I agree with the last person who posted circle hooks 🪝 work well if you are saltwater fishing 🎣 for rock fish not so good for what you are looking for
Aug 31, 2021 19:46:32 #
Catfish hunter wrote:
A circle hook is designed, specifically, for the hook set. I'd say don't use them if your plan is to catch and release.
Just the opposite Randy. Circle Hooks will not gut hook a fish, and NO hookset is required. When a fish picks up the bait and swims away, just start reeling. The hook will get caught in the corner of the mouth ONLY, and therefore not injure the fish, and make release easier.
With the new "slot length "for Stripers, circle hooks are MANDATORY when using bait, on the North Eastern seaboard. That is required to protect the released fish.
Aug 31, 2021 20:40:55 #
Aug 31, 2021 20:45:17 #
bobber22 wrote:
Totally agree with you Fred--on all counts
Yeah Bobber, you can drag one across your tongue and not get stuck.LOL.
Aug 31, 2021 20:49:24 #
Catfish hunter wrote:
A circle hook is designed, specifically, for the hook set. I'd say don't use them if your plan is to catch and release.
gotta disagree Cat, circle hooks are designed for a lip shot so you don't injure the fish. currently required along the east coast for c&r species
Aug 31, 2021 21:01:07 #
Jwid
Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO
bobber22 wrote:
Totally agree with you Fred--on all counts
That’s what I thought too.
Aug 31, 2021 21:09:44 #
FS Digest wrote:
And what size would you recommend for pond fishing - mainly blue Gill, largemouth bass, and catfish.
I'd recommend barbless hooks if you just want to catch and release,, I use circle hooks for catfish, almost always hook themselves in the corner of there mouth , I also use them sometimes for bottom fishing inshore ocean.
Aug 31, 2021 22:01:54 #
Fredfish wrote:
i agree 100% you’ll do better with circle hooks. And you’ll release healthy fish.Just the opposite Randy. Circle Hooks will not gut hook a fish, and NO hookset is required. When a fish picks up the bait and swims away, just start reeling. The hook will get caught in the corner of the mouth ONLY, and therefore not injure the fish, and make release easier.
With the new "slot length "for Stripers, circle hooks are MANDATORY when using bait, on the North Eastern seaboard. That is required to protect the released fish.
With the new "slot length "for Stripers, circle hooks are MANDATORY when using bait, on the North Eastern seaboard. That is required to protect the released fish.
Aug 31, 2021 22:06:56 #
4DaFryer
Loc: Romeoville, IL
To answer this question without all the comments, from my own experience size 6 circle hooks are great for most Panfish. If you're into catch and release, take your plyers and flatten the barb. With circle hooks, most fish are hooked when reeling in the bait. For Bass and Catfish, a size 2/0 to 6/0 works very well. Smaller sized hooks may be swallowed occasionally. 6/0 is NOT too big for Catfish and Bass ! 
Aug 31, 2021 22:08:34 #
CRKfish wrote:
i agree 100% you’ll do better with circle hooks. And you’ll release healthy fish.
Ditto, required in Jersey for stripers but to be honest, I do miss the hook set.
Sep 1, 2021 10:40:11 #
JackM
Loc: North East Florida
I've been using size 10 or 8 circle hooks for bluegill for 10-15 years. They work great and especially keep the grandkid from gut hooking them. It took me a while to find a place that carried them that small online. Good luck.
Sep 1, 2021 12:12:40 #
Damgreene
Loc: North Bay, California
Agree with most here, just resist the urge to "set" your hook as to will yank cleanly out of fish's mouth. Make sure you have good strike on your bait then just reel your line in and always always always keep tension on that one cuz the second you give it one bit of slack, that fish is going to spit that hook right out at ya. Good luck!
Sep 1, 2021 12:20:41 #
Sarl
Loc: Cntrl. FL
Fredfish is right. Circle hooks are perfect for catch and release. J hooks kill more fish due to deep penetration into the gullet which usually does not occur with circles.
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