Circle Hooks

[phill_itofish]

With the fishing being poor recently my mind has started to wonder and thoughts of popping for bass and trips North with floating gear for Pollock and wrasse are getting me through the biteless sessions. Anyhow, where was I going with this... Oh yeah circle hooks, have just been ordering a few more surface lures and some circle hooks caught my eye, after missing quite a few fish last summer on the float do you think there is any advantage to using a circle hook on a float rig, would this eliminate the need to strike as the fish should self hook and reduce the number of missed fish.

 

[super-MAGuire]

i've also thought about this, mainly the semi circle hooks from varivas with live small sandeel, but have not actually carried it out just used normal J hooks. I think the circle would keep the live bait on better... if your useing it.

The circle hooks i used with red gill befor and did not really notice much difference, i used a 2/0 eagle claw, didnt notice less hook ups with take or more.

The circle hooks may be harder to set while the J hooks strike straight in. But its just may be confidence with your pattern, i like the varivas big mouth extra's, sharp and strong! better than viking and the sakuma manta's in my view

 

[guy]

been thinking about them circle hooks myself with the thought that when float fishing in the mull the pollock wouldnt get deep hooked as last year had to cut loads of hooks off when returning pollock, even increased the size of hooks to 6 o mantas with hope they would,nt swallow them but they did and evryone hook i cut off to throw them back i was thinking theres another f***ing 50p gone lol

 

[SCOTSLAD]

Good for hooking fish without striking, usually gets the fish in the scissor part of the mouth even on flatties so they are a good pattern. Only problem I have found is that the bait has to be kept clear of the lower part of the circle hook or the fish will be deep hooked like a normal 'J' pattern hook. They are worth a try as unhooking the fish is quick and easy without distressing the fish too much if it is being returned. Personal preference really and a bit of trial and error.