I’ve never used a circle hook before, are they pretty successful for catch and release?
Sep 1, 2021 12:21:20 #
Sep 1, 2021 13:08:44 #
bobio777
Loc: NE Pa
Agreed, way to go for C&R fishing. No gut hooks, just a little different technique to bait the hook.
Sep 1, 2021 13:21:34 #
bobber22
Loc: Ocala, Florida
I totaaly agree Fred, Want to caution all that if you give a fish too much time before you start to reel they might take the bait down the gullet. Happened to me a few times.
Sep 1, 2021 14:23:36 #
bobber22 wrote:
I totaaly agree Fred, Want to caution all that if you give a fish too much time before you start to reel they might take the bait down the gullet. Happened to me a few times.
Yeah Bobber, but with the curved in point it won't dig in. It usually will slide out until it gets to the corner of the Mouth.
Sep 1, 2021 15:22:37 #
bobber22
Loc: Ocala, Florida
I have had several fish that got the hook ( 3.0 ) down the gullet into the gills where it stuck.
Sep 1, 2021 18:08:43 #
bobber22 wrote:
I have had several fish that got the hook ( 3.0 ) down the gullet into the gills where it stuck.
Really, with a true circle hook? That's the first time I've ever heard of that happening. All I hear is complaints from people who let the fish swallow the bait, then insist on "setting the hook " like you do with traditional "J" hooks, and pulling the baited hook right out of the fishes gut.
Sep 1, 2021 18:17:42 #
bobber22
Loc: Ocala, Florida
True circle hook Fred. Totally displeased when a bull red got it down. Try as I might to carefully remove the hook, he was bleeding when I released him
Sep 1, 2021 18:40:09 #
bobber22 wrote:
True circle hook Fred. Totally displeased when a bull red got it down. Try as I might to carefully remove the hook, he was bleeding when I released him
In that case the best thing to do is cut the leader as short as you can, or harvest the fish,if it's legal.
Sep 2, 2021 10:20:41 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
You took the words righr out of my mouth! 100% agree. Just start reeling when you feel the bite and keep the rod tip up and the line tight. ANY slack and the fish is gone. But it's an excellent hook for catch and release. Once the fish is in the net the hook usually falls right out.
Sep 2, 2021 10:27:50 #
davedumont
Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
Guys that's bound to happen sometimes but by and large the circle hook is the best hook for catch and release in my opinion. No hook is able to only catch a fish by the mouth every time. If used properly circle hooks WILL most often hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. The last I knew Florida also required circle hooks for saltwater fishing. I'm not sure about freshwater.
Sep 4, 2021 22:05:09 #
Once the hook is firmly in the lip, why not do a set up motion with the rod tip to sink it in? Seems that would be a good idea to me. Eager for response from ya'll.
Sep 4, 2021 22:32:36 #
nutz4fish wrote:
Once the hook is firmly in the lip, why not do a set up motion with the rod tip to sink it in? Seems that would be a good idea to me. Eager for response from ya'll.
As soon as you turn his /her head, they're hooked.
Sep 4, 2021 23:53:04 #
nutz4fish wrote:
Once the hook is firmly in the lip, why not do a set up motion with the rod tip to sink it in? Seems that would be a good idea to me. Eager for response from ya'll.
Once they’re hooked, they’re hooked. The hook is set. No need to set it again. Just lift up to keep the rod bent , and reel in the fish.
Jan 1, 2022 14:51:51 #
Sarl
Loc: Cntrl. FL
You have to match the hook size to the fish size. I generally use size 10 for bluegills, however, you might need something a like a size 8 in a circle hook for bluegills.
Jan 1, 2022 16:53:53 #
JackM
Loc: North East Florida
I've been using circle hook exclusively for over 10 years for fish from bluegills or bream size 10 or 8 too small sharks and redfish with 8/0. After letting the fish pull the line tight I give a gentle "hook set" which I think helps to secure the hook in the corner of the fish's mouth better. I think I lose about 1 out of 20 fish due to a "spit hook". I almost never hook a fish anywhere other than the lip or corner of the mouth.
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