I've used both and have intentionally bought offset thinking these would equal more hook ups. I'm an "east coaster" and typically live bait fish and occasionally strip bait. It could be purely coincidental but I seem to "hook up" more often with the non offset than with the offset.
Has anyone else had similar experiences? What do you guys prefer and for what type of bait............
RSH
Have preferred offset from a very long time back. Better number of hook-ups, and not only in the corner of the mouth.
Kerbed hooks tend to hook better but they also hook in places you don't want them to, like gills. I prefer unkerbed C hooks over kerbed ones except when fishing 400-700 feet deep for halibut.
When I used to commercial fish we never did anything to our circles.And even fishing on rod and reel I still don't,the key is let the fish hook themselves,anything you do can mess up the hookseting in the fishes mouth.Constant pressure and reel,that should be it,the pressure should do the rest.Although there are some fish I have found that circles just don't do a good job,thats when you should break out the J's and just try not to gut hook.
ok- right on guys....... I still have a hard time "not setting a hook" when the action gets going.
"Setting" C hooks causes most of the problems people have with them. I usualy "set" a J hook like a C hook and it works well.
i hate circle hooks...... >:(
The idea behind "offset" or "kerbed" hooks is to make it easier to get on your bait. When I am in "catch and kill" mode and want to get a live bait on easily then I go offset except with big fish and big baits. This way if you get a hook set in the gills you are ok with it.
With big fish though you don't want the hook to set anywhere but the corner of the jaw or you get pulled hooks or chew offs in long fights.
Of course, you have to be in zen mode to get circles to work best (or brain dead works for me :)).
I've heard that offset circle hooks will up your hookup ratio (mentioned above by makule) as to regular circle hooks you will have misses but when you are hooked up with regular circle hooks you will most likely never have the fish spit the hook.
The key with any circle hook is to not set the hook.The fish will do that themselves.Thats why it works great on some fish but not on others,if they chew and spit like Snook you better break out the J's but it is the ones that gulp and run that are most often caught on circle hooks.A tuna doesn't swim up and stop to mouth a bait,it inhales and leaves always on the run,a Snook on the other hand will mouth a bait sometimes for minutes before it decides to eat and then it just sits there,cuss,cuss,cuss!And if you have ever fished for Sheepshead those nibblers are hardly ever caught on any type of circle hook,j hooks only.Each type of fishing is different.
Yes, I agree with Saltydog, it depends on the type of fishing. Circle hooks are the only hooks you're allowed to use on the Chesapeake, during the early spring Stripers run, when catch and release is in place. Unless you undersize quite a bit. I use circle hooks exclusively for stripers and blues, maybe that's why Dom gets more than me :-\
I fish for freshwater stripers that can go anywhere from 3 to 40 pounds and we use circle hooks,put it in the rod holder and wait till it doubles up.We hook our shad through the nostrels,alot of people use circles that are way to big,on those striper we use 5/0 to 7/0 and a 5 to 9 inch shad or 4 to 7 inch bluegill.Heck I even use the same size hooks to fish for Reds and sharks on the beach with a nose hooked mullet or pinfish.
Offset makes hooking live bait easier. I have not noticed any hook up ratio difference between the two.
Here is something I wrote on another board and it has some things that are discussed in this thread.
When to swing on a fish?
For me it is never. Let me explain this a bit. It started out of necessity for me, you see on most trips on public or private boats I usually bring several setups to fish. I was a huge fan of circle hooks for some of the different species of fish I was targeting or their size and still am but in a much more lesser extent now. On trips I may have something like two 15 lb, two 20 lb, two 30 lb and two 40 lb setups ect. all for fishing bait. On different setups I would a lot of the time tie on a J hook and others circle hooks depending on the type of fish I was looking to hook or their size. For me the more desirable, in my mind, bigger fish targeted or ones intended for release I used the circles on and the smaller less desirable or fish I kept for eating got the J hooks. Well as you can imagine in the heat of battle certain setups may need to be retied, I may want to switch to larger or smaller setups or I just grab the closest rod and sling out a bait. This is where it all began for me around ten years ago.
I'm betting you can start to see my dilemma can't you? I throw out a nice fresh lively bait, I'm picked up, line is ripping off my reel and it is time to set the hook and I think, oh crap which hook did I tie onto this setup? This is the precise moment in my fishing life I stopped swinging on fish. The reason really is in the critical moments where I had a split decision on what to do, I, well froze a bit and opted for the lesser of two evils and just engaged my reel and hoped for the best. By doing this on different trips and targeting different fish I noticed my hook up rates did not change but there was a big difference on where I hooked the fish.
With circle hooks it was the same as it should be but with J hooks I noticed a much better hook placement right in the corner of the fishes mouth as well. Very rarely do I hook a fish in the vital areas such as the stomach or gills and release if chosen gives the fish a much better survival rate when not hooked is these areas. Also this allows me to use lighter lines when targeting fish with J hooks because I do not get as much abrasion from the fishes mouth or gill plate. As we all know lighter lines can and almost always do result in better hookup rates but not always better landing rates but as you also know you cant land a fish if your not bit. Also for the most part J hooks are smaller and less heavy than circles in the same size allowing the bait to swim much better. Yes I know each hook is different depending on manufacturer, style and strength but as a rule of thumb a J hook will be smaller and lighter than it's equivalent in a circle.
I use the technique of not setting the hook when fishing bait, surface and yoyo iron and with soft plastics I do not use hard plastics except for trolling so need to hook set the hook there. I just wind through the bite.
From Calico's to Cabrilla, Mackerel to Marlin and Sand Bass to Snook I no longer set the hook. Give it a shot it may work for you also.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on October 03, 2012, 05:26:48 AM
From Calico's to Cabrilla, Mackerel to Marlin and Sand Bass to Snook I no longer set the hook. Give it a shot it may work for you also.
X2
The J hooks I prefer for live bait have a slightly turned point.
Thanks for the reply's, this turned out to be a pretty good topic (at least for me). Lots of good points and I'm looking at circle hooks a bit different as well. Helps explain why my Snook and Sheephead numbers are down.
Quote from: Pescachaser on October 03, 2012, 03:40:51 AM
Quote from: alantani on October 03, 2012, 01:50:07 AM
i hate circle hooks...... >:(
ME TOO, :-\ Dominick
I cant stand em, if it wont for sandtiger sharks i wouldnt use em, talk about swallowin a bait :o And sheeps, u need a J. I love my 12/0 J hooks, the 14s are better to mess with the tourons on the pier with ;D
Anymore with all the law changes my "J" hook cache has really shrunk. Seems like they are trying to do away with "J" hooks altogether.
In Florida the "law" says you must use circle hooks when fishing for "reef" species and have venting tools and dehooking devices. Kinda vague since the fish targeted on the reefs can also be found inshore, in the inter-coastal and just about everywhere. I even had the "undercover" FWC asked about circle hooks when they boarded us last month but we were diving for bugs on that trip, but they are checking. I think the most recent change is non stainless circle hooks with natural baits in Atlantic federal waters north of 28°N. It's really getting to be quite a job just being knowledgeable and compliant with the "law of the week" method Florida uses. :-\
"i hate circle hooks"
BUMP Me Too
laws are bad here in oz also.just had 1.3 million sq miles of marine parks introduced 2 days ago around aust;how they going to stop poachers and police it? me, im going to disregard all the stupid laws. iust abide by the ones i agree with
After having problems with J hooks for a while, such as broken hooks, pulled hooks, straightened hooks, etc. I started using circle hooks. I've been using Mustad 11/0 and 12/0 circle hooks for long range sardine fishing for the last few years. I really like them and wouldn't change. I had to look quiet a while to find the "right" hook, and like a lot of things found them right under my nose. Watching "Junkyard Bob" Michner (Accurate rep & RRIII patron) catch lots of 200+ YFT with no hook problems I just started using what he uses and I've never been sorry. Like Bob, I do add my own rings to the hooks. It does take a little getting used to just letting the fish set the hook for you but it soon just becomes second nature. Don't think I've missed many hookups with circle hooks either. Thinking about that right now makes me want to be on a boat in Cowland!
Quote from: rscotth on October 05, 2012, 10:18:26 PM
Anymore with all the law changes my "J" hook cache has really shrunk. Seems like they are trying to do away with "J" hooks altogether.
In Florida the "law" says you must use circle hooks when fishing for "reef" species and have venting tools and dehooking devices. Kinda vague since the fish targeted on the reefs can also be found inshore, in the inter-coastal and just about everywhere. I even had the "undercover" FWC asked about circle hooks when they boarded us last month but we were diving for bugs on that trip, but they are checking. I think the most recent change is non stainless circle hooks with natural baits in Atlantic federal waters north of 28°N. It's really getting to be quite a job just being knowledgeable and compliant with the "law of the week" method Florida uses. :-\
In the GOM (not Gulf of Maine), non stainless circle hooks are required for reef fish in federal waters. Texas waters require circle hooks on saltwater trot lines (with gap and size restrictions), and red snapper must be taken using a pole and line and a circle hook.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe FL has some restrictions on offset circle hooks.
Quote from: josarafa401 on November 20, 2012, 01:27:19 AM
Watching "Junkyard Bob" Michner (Accurate rep & RRIII patron) catch lots of 200+ YFT with no hook problems
Bob was fun to fish with.
The reef fish that the laws protect don't have a problem getting on a circle hook,the angler has a problem with setting the hook.I commercial fished for grouper and snapper using handlines and rod and reel and never had a problem with grouper,amberjack,cobia and snapper,you just have to put on a tough bait and when they bite start pulling not jerking.The days of using two day old frozen sardines by the way is over.Put on hunks of fresh caught fish or live pinfish,crabs and you won't have a problem if you DON'T set the hook.
It is just a learned response,and not every fish can be successfully taken with them and that is also part of the plan which everyone is overlooking.I had a fisheries biologist friend of mine tell me once that for every frustrating miss on a circle hook there goes a fish that would have been drug up undersized,vented and thrown back in most times to die.Not all fish vented live.Then again who wants to catsh a 12" snapper on a 10/0 circle hook,I'm lookin for those 20"+ monsters with live whole pinfish or grunts.
At a lot of places in Hawaii, the bottom is primarily reef. Circle hooks tend to not catch the bottom as much as "J" hooks so that is one reason they are preferred.
This was copied from the Florida regulation ending 31 Dec 2012:
Circle Hooks
The rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when natural baits are used. A circle hook is a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset, but turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a generally circular or oval shape.
At its June 2010 meeting, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved a management measure that would require persons aboard vessels fishing for reef fish in Atlantic federal waters north of 28° latitude (near Melbourne) to use non-stainless steel circle hooks. This requirement will be reviewed by NOAA Fisheries Service and is subject to the approval of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the circle hook requirement for Atlantic federal waters would likely go into effect later this year
We use the premade setups from Academy for various reasons. These are the 10.5" Eagle Claw Nylawire Circle Single Hooks 5-Pack. We use the number 4, 5 and 6 hooks. The leader is steel also. The setup is on Abu Garcia's 6000, 6500 c3 and 6600 c4 with 65lb braid on each. We will put an egg sinker on it first, from 1/2 to 3 ounce depending on how strong the tide is. Then add a 8mm red bead and snap swivel. That way we can just change out the leader and hook faster when they are worn out.
The sharks can mess up the leaders a lot, plus the Redfish can kink the leaders.
The main reason I buy the premade is, I am to lazy and mostly busy to make my own. Also for convenience as we mainly fish the ends of the Galveston Jetties and they keep up from catching bull bottom. Plus we fish two to three times a week a lot and can wear out tackle. So they are cheap and readily available. My tackle box is for whoever fished with me, but others do bring their own tackle sometimes. Plus they do help restock mine.
We have never had any problems with these circle hooks and have a ton of photos and videos to show we continually catch fish with them without a problem. We started using circle hooks years back as we release a lot of fish we catch and they do little damage. I would say 99% of the time the hook the fish up in the corner.
Sometimes they will gut hook a Redfish simply because if the pole is left in the rod holder and the fish hits it, that fish may be lazy and not take off with the bait. It might just hit the bait, sit there and swallow it not knowing itis hooked yet. So once someone realizes a Red is on it, the fish is gut hooked.
We carry The Fishermans Deep Hook Remover (http://caliberoutdoors.com/) and that thing is the bomb. It will remove a gut hooked circle hook in a split second without any further damage to the fish.
Most of the time though we are busting on the Redfish with every cast and releasing a lot of them, so the circle hook does litle damage and unhooks easy. Texas has limits on lengths and quantity on them. They have to be 20" to 28" (called Slot Reds) and only 3 per day per person. So we only keep the ones that go 26" to 28" and if we are doing a tourney, then between 27 1/2" and as close to 28" as we can get.
Most of the time with 3 of us on the boat we can easily catch up to 25 to 30 reds alone in a matter of an hour or two, depending on how good the bite is. So we have never had a problem with circle hooks.
Here is a pic of a number 5 hook and how we hook the shrimp. This is to keep the bait thieves from stealing us blind so fast. lol!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/6C07A200-B375-47C5-B407-FEBAC21493EB-23072-00000F14B3F89AB9.jpg)
Two firefighters I work with, while one holds his fish for the camera, the other is hooked up.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/F29F90A5-5545-45FE-8BE0-CDEBB22CC270-23072-00000F14B87DB1BF.jpg)
Me
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/94935735-0A48-42CB-9822-F28963DE1561-23072-00000F14B584FBB0.jpg)
Another double hook up. If you have an iPhone, check out the FishingScout App. It's pretty cool.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/EA657675-3A78-4DED-BEFF-7911EE96550A-23072-00000F14B6423AED.jpg)
Venting the fish to give it a better survival rate.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/BB1C804C-5289-41B7-B4E9-146B7AD1179C-23072-00000F14B73FB92E.jpg)
A catch and release Black Drum (Big Ugly) a few months back that my wife caught on one of the #4's.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/6934eaa7.jpg)
You can see the setup here. Plus see the hook at the upper corner of the mouth.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t141/FirePro911/IMG_2021.jpg)
Kinda went off topic but I just wanted to show how we like to use the circle hook setups. I see it as everything else in fishing, it is all personal preference. I like buying the premade setups with steel leaders from Academy. They come 5 to a package and with as much fishing as we do, it works for us.
Oh yea, they are the offset circle hooks.
firepro911
magnificent report.thank you
whats george clooney doin with ya :D
Quote from: wallacewt on November 30, 2012, 04:32:44 AM
whats george clooney doin with ya :D
Being a pain as usual! lol!
Firepro911, trust me if you would tie your own leaders out of 30 to 50lb mono you would catch more fish, and it would be cheaper
Any opinion about Owner Mutu Light circle hooks for surfcasting?
Interesting thread - thanks.
It reminds me of a very good skipper I fished in the UK with - now retired. He always said "Wind 'em on, don't try to pull their bl@@dy heads off!" no matter what the species or what the hook. Seems to work.
But I do have days when kirbed or offset hooks seem to pull, when straight hooks won't stick or when circles hook too deep - but that is just one of them days and the onyl thing to do is go with the flow and try something different.
This is a must have tool to remove hooks buried to deep. I see it is on sale and will order a second one now for the boat. It is great for those circle hooks that do get swallowed and flips them out in an instance doing no harm to the fish.
The Fisherman's Assistant (http://www.caliberoutdoors.com/)
Quote from: FirePro911 on April 26, 2013, 11:06:40 AM
This is a must have tool to remove hooks buried to deep. I see it is on sale and will order a second one now for the boat. It is great for those circle hooks that do get swallowed and flips them out in an instance doing no harm to the fish.
The Fisherman's Assistant (http://www.caliberoutdoors.com/)
That's like what we use for keeper trout.
I use 2/0 circle hooks for Gurnard & leave the rod in the rod holder until it nods then just wind them up. Have never lost a fish this way & the are never gut hooked. Also use 10/0 & 12/0 for Groper fishing even with braid there is no way you can strike at 150-200 metres.
Regards
Mark
Firepro, thanks for the link. Need to try this one.
Bob
That's a neat little gadget. I don't think it will work on a 20/0 in a Sharks Jawbone though. This is what I use and it works great at popping those Circles out when they hook correctly in the corner of the mouth.
As far a offset and non offset, I'm still up in the air on this one. This one was hooked perfectly, the next one with the same hook got it in the roof of the mouth and I couldn't get it out. These are straight 20/0 Mustad Circles. I tried to reach it with the bolt cutters and he would have nothing to do with it.
I still use Big J hooks. (Seamasters), but that's only on one setup. Everything else, I use circles, both offset and non-offset. 10,12,14,16,18 and 20/0s. Sorry Alan and Dom. I love Circle Hooks! :)
Daron I think that is a sea demon in that pic
It is a Sea-Demon. I personally think circle hooks are alright. They work well if you know how to use them, but i use J's. Why? I was raised with them, and I know how to use them. I never gut-hook, excluding cats, of course. So J's for me, all day everyday, but as long as you know what you're doing, you can use whatever hook you darn please. IMO.
Quote from: buitrechico on January 03, 2013, 12:13:50 AM
Any opinion about Owner Mutu Light circle hooks for surfcasting?
They are great. I also put a ring on them for fishing smaller anchovies for our local albacore. I pull very hard with 30# fluoro and have not seen one straighten or pull out. I also, use them for mooching salmon. The key is to run a tighter drag than you would with a J-hook to bury it the bony corner of the mouth. Can be tougher to get out which is why you don't pull as many hooks as you would when fishing Js. When you see the rod load up, then just reel.
I don't understand how people can not help setting the hook. I just don't understand this. Most people who say they hate circles have this tendency due to an adrenaline rush. I think a taser rigged to the rod handle with an accelerometer may help train Pavlov's dog.
Sea Demon, Sea master, Its just a big J. Thanks Grayson. My haywire twist need some work.
Yeah on wire that big, it can help to have some sort of leverage. The seamasters are 10x stronger if yo can Find them, anything with an inward facing point/southern tuna style
I have some 14/0 Gama's coming from Davin.
Those are some nasty hooks, if I was gonna run a big circle those would be it
Shark hunter, a pair of small vice grips helps hold the wire loop while you twist the heavy wire.
My Haywire twist needs some work, I'm still practicing. Its tough on that #22 wire.
Yes it is but those vise grips make it manageable and keep thy fingers from getting sore. All it takes is a little practice and you will get better at it.
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii608/saltydogreelrepair/DSCI0013_zps73be1ad7.jpg) (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/saltydogreelrepair/media/DSCI0013_zps73be1ad7.jpg.html)
Nice twist SaltyDog. I've never been too good at it, myself.
Yeah on wire that big, it can help to have some sort of leverage. The seamasters are 10x stronger if yo can Find them, anything with an inward facing point/southern tuna style
I'll back him up, leverage is everything in twisting i've found. The Seamasters are great, I love the Sea-Mates, though. Sea-Mates are basically X2 strength Southern-tunas with an offset.
I've caught tons of sharks on these same hooks, #19 wire and a 14/0 mustad circle 4x strong.
Salty if I ever make it to Texas I wanna fish with you ;D Ivecauht a slam of sharks on 61lb wire and 4x trebles, biggest was 7ft most were in the 5-6 range and smaller though
Shark season here from shore is about over except for some Sandbars but a couple of guys and I are planning a few trips Aug. Septemberish next year during the major migration. Keep in touch.
QuoteQuote from: Bunnlevel Sharker on October 14, 2013, 03:29:42 AM
Salty if I ever make it to Texas I wanna fish with you ;D Ivecauht a slam of sharks on 61lb wire and 4x trebles, biggest was 7ft most were in the 5-6 range and smaller though
Were you King fishing?
Yeah, that's how I got started shark fishing after trolling a pinfish one day right off the beach and a huge swirl little drag then slack
Nice!
Forgot to add that for circle hooks, Lindgren-Pitmans are sweet. As I've said before, circles for smaller baits, but for decent to larger specimens, J's for me. And what J hooks do you people use for sharks?
Every thing from what I call a catfish hook in 3/0 for sharpnose to 14/0 SS j hooks
Meant exact model, sorry.
Quote from: saltydog on October 13, 2013, 04:13:48 PM
Shark hunter, a pair of small vice grips helps hold the wire loop while you twist the heavy wire.
After much practice, I used the vise grips on the 19 and 22 wire. Thanks for the tip William! ;)
Even with a hook or a swivel, I can't hold the wire, its too stiff. I still got cuts on my hands from the hook points and the ends of the wire, but the results are worth it! ;D Very Sharp hooks!
I got a good twist on both ends of the #22 with a 14/0 gama hook, and an 18/0 commercial reverse offset from catch all tackle on the #19. These are some serious hooks!
I placed all my favorite circles out and labeled them accordingly. Making some rigs and Getting ready for next year! Preparation is key!
My largest shark to date is only seven foot. I got him on the beach in five minutes. I prepared for many months to make this Happen! Switching it up on my rigs, going with wire and cable, then to the mainline.
Nice twists ;)!
Since we've wandered off course a bit with a discussion on haywire twists, forgive me for addressing that topic.
With heavier wire, I use my needle nose vice grips. I think the toughest part of a haywire twist is getting the last part of the wrap: the tightly aligned parallel wraps that are placed 90 degrees to the standing leader.
To do this, I try to get a perfect 90 degree turn after my twists are finished, then I will wrap with the tip of the pliers slowly around the leader. I can knock them off pretty quickly after years of practice.
BTW, this reminds me. I'm going to start a discussion on fishing pliers.
I am a big fan of circle hooks. I have read much scientific literature and attended the international symposium on circle hooks. Large scale studies prove unequivocally that when the correct size, rigging, and fishing methodologies are employed hooking success is typically greater, and post release survivability is greatly improved.
Circles shine on passive style gear, and when fishing dead and live baits. Offset circle hooks tend to have higher hook-up ratios then similar sized non-offset hooks in most instances, but also result in a greater percentage of fowl-hooked fish. The literature shows that smaller sized offset are comparable to larger sized non-offset, and that un-ringed non-offset hooks affixed directly to mono/wire material is more effective while offset circles tend to perform better when ringed or attached via a loop type connection to the leader. Large sized offset circles can behave very similarly to J hooks interns of external hookings. Ringed circle hooks maintain the lowest percentage of 'thrown hooks' (even when faced with slack line). I still use J hooks for trolling artificials, non-ringed circles tied directly to mono for verticle cut bait(chunking for small fish, bottomfishing, freshwater, etc...), but prefer small, strong ringed offset circle hooks for smaller live baits, and chunking for pelagics. The use of smaller circle hooks in many longline fisheries has shown a reduction in externally hooked animals, increased catch rate of tuna, mahi, bill fishes, and other pelagics, and a general decrease in the catch rate of most sharks. Larger offset circle hooks behave differently with increased catch rates of target swordfish (more live landings), increased catch rate of sharks, decreased overall catch rate of marine mammals, sea turtles, ect., elimination of deeply hooked fishes/animals (of all species), and some instances of externally hooked animals, though less than traditional J style hooks.
Circle hooks definately excell in certain applications and with a few minor modifications to your rigging, and fishing techniques, can provide a valuable tool to increase hook up ratios, decrease thrown hooks, and increase post-release survivability of those fish you chose to release.
The proceedings from the circle hook symposium were published in 'Marine Bulletin' and can be found here:
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/2012/00000088/00000003
If interested;)
post release survivability is greatly improved.
Which studies show this? At least w. sharks, I've seen circles gut as many or more fish then J's. And yes, they were using the hooks correctly. Honestly, no hook is better than the other, fishing with J's is much more different thank fishing with circles, and vice-versa. If they are used correctly, you should almost never gut-hook a shark or any other fish for that matter, excluding perhaps gar and cats. J's and circles, doesn't matter. I really don't know why a lot of people put up a big fuss bashing the other style of hooks, both are useful and nice. That doesn't mean I don't have a preference, I personally like J's, I fish them better than I do w. circles, but that's me. Pick a hook which fits your application, not too large or small, strong enough to not pull, bend, or break, make sure its sharp, and fish it using the right technique. Hope I hoped someone. Again, just my opinion. Cheers fellas.
I only use non offset circle hooks.
I do believe offset J-hooks make sense for other purposes.
I didn't mean to say one type of hook is better then another..generally speaking. I like J hooks too, and agree with most of the comments on this thead regarding fishing technique. Most of the research comparing hook styles involved passive gear or other applications where it might be expected that circle hooks would outperform J hooks, and other styles. and unfortunately sometimes when one idea catches on and is shown to be an effective management tool for something or another, it can get over-(or mis)applied to the management of something else without proper research or data. I think we as fishermen should be excited about the vast array of tools available to us in this day and age...and circle hooks are just that..another tool or option available.
I grew up, as most did, fishing Js pretty much exclusively, I developed many of my fishing techniques and confidence using J hooks, and was skepticle of circle hooks from the get go (just like barbless hooks...I mean it goes against conventional wisdom and common sense that a barbless hook will stay hooked as well as a barbed). As a youngster, we did some fishing in the early 80s off the tip of LA and frequently would get hit by monster Tarpon, but never hooked up. A few of the local guys got ahold of these huge circle hooks (I think they were 18/0 non-offset), and through severel years of trial and error managed to develop a Tarpon-specific artificial soft plastic around this hook that had outstanding hook up rates. In essence the circle hook opened-up (popularized) a new fishery, and many monster fish were taken. I remained skepticle about circles and was slow to adopt them to my other fishing styles. Circle hooks are not the holy grail but they are an effective tool when applied using the correct technique, for targeted species, and as effective management tools in some fisheries when addressing certain issues/concerns. Circle hooks have been around for a very long time and were used extensively throughout the world by indigenous populations, and in more modern times they (along w/tuna hooks) were adopted by many of the world's largest industrialized commercial hook and line operations because they produced better results, not because someone told them they had to use them.
Circles are not ideal for many applications and there are many other factors which may affect hook-up ratios, location, and thrown hooks/break off percentages.
I'm just saying we as fishermen shouldn't be afraid to experiment with new tools and techniques...
I mean for me it's part of the fun.
If you have something that works, and your confident in it..why change.
Just a few thoughts.
Side note: some of my strong feelings surrounding circles are based on an observation of them being underutilized as a management tool for decades, because of lack of support, research, and data..when they were the right tool (an important one of many) for the job. Namely I am thinking of billfish mortality in Atlantic Longline Fisheries, particularily in the mid to late 80s-mid 90s, as well as shark mortality rates in commercial longline, and hook and line fisheries in the mid to late 70s in the Gulf of Mexico.
Anyone ever tried circles as belly hooks on Rapalas?
I have observed that wahoos almost always get hooked on the belly hooks.
Quote from: edgarz on February 18, 2014, 10:58:56 AM
Anyone ever tried circles as belly hooks on Rapalas?
I have observed that wahoos almost always get hooked on the belly hooks.
Interesting comment. I've only caught one Wahoo, on a Rapala CD 27. Hooked on the belly hook.
Wahoo are notorious for hitting the bait just behind the head or accriss the eye. They also like to hit silver colored swivels. Personally, I would stay away from using circles on hard baits, or any trolling application, though I'm not sure if they would work on wahoo bombs or a bait with a more verticle type presentation since I really have no experience in this arena.
Quote from: Tightlines666 on February 18, 2014, 08:15:36 PM
Wahoo are notorious for hitting the bait just behind the head or accriss the eye. They also like to hit silver colored swivels. Personally, I would stay away from using circles on hard baits, or any trolling application, though I'm not sure if they would work on wahoo bombs or a bait with a more verticle type presentation since I really have no experience in this arena.
Exactly why I asked. Less risk to your leader if the fish is hooked in the corner of the mouth.
I intend extend the setup by adding a swivel after the split ring.
Personally, I grew up with J hooks and was always taught to let a bass run with the bait for a brief second and then set it. It works for me, plus I love setting the hook.
In all fairness, I probably haven't given circle hooks enough of a chance but I don't really like them. I feel like they cost me fish. That's just me though; other people swear by them.
In regards to how they work, I believe that an offset circle with increase your hookup ratio but will gut hook more fish, which kind of defeats the purpose. An inline circle does it's job better (hooks the fish in the corner of the mouth).
If you are worried about gut hooking fish, you can still fish a J hook, you just need to set it quick.
Circle or J work great in specific situations based on fishing methodology employed weighed up against fish target species. Targeting species that "spit baits" such as Barramundi with a circle hook is a complete waste of time. That being said on carp another crafty bait spitter they are absolutely deadly, I attribute this to the fish sucking bait getting spooked and immediately turning there head before trying to spit the bait, the turning thereby setting the circle, you can literally see this happening at the rod tip. To date hookup rate on the carp is 100% with 60+ fish tallied using circles.
I think circles are monumentally strong, can assist not getting snagged in timbered fishing spots, work well when fishing very deep water and with the right rigging and target species are awesome.
Like a lot of things fishing they can work really well or not at all.
Quote from: alantani on October 03, 2012, 01:50:07 AM
i hate circle hooks...... >:(
Thats because for salmon we are stuck with them and don't get an option!
I fish Octopus "J" hooks almost exclusively ( Saltwater Pier Fishng ). I tried Circle Hooks for over a year, but was missing too many fish. I realize the "conservation" theory behind the Circle Hooks but, given the ever-increasing Regulations & Restrictions, I prefer to increase my "Landing Percentage". If I Gut-Hook an undersize / oversize fish, I cut the leader as close as possible and make every reasonable effort to return it to the water alive. After that, the fish is "on it's own".
I'm always interested in reading peoples' real life experiences with circle hooks. How they work vs. how they are supposed to work. I do think it matters how you fish them and what you're fishing for.
When I fish bait I'm using offset gami 8/0s and deadsticking from the beach. I use the offsets because that's what is sold at my tackle shops.
I know they say offsets gut hook more fish, but with the stripers, bluefish, and associated trash fish that I catch it almost never happens. The offset circles do what they're supposed to do. I don't doubt that it could be completely different for marlin etc.
I feel like my hookup/landing ratio is at least as good with circles as J hooks, and throat/gut hooks went way, way down. Once I figured out to leave as much hook exposed as possible my success rate shot way up.
Slightly offset. Can't say I've tried non-offset though, just keep buying the same circles that work (ebay cheapies, $13 for 50). I've landed everything on them, as tough as the big brands for sure.
My catch rate has doubled easily since switching to circles, deep or shallow it doesn't matter, livies, dead baits, or plastics I'll never go back to normal hooks.
Here's a quick vid on rigging plastics on circles. Basic but it works a treat.
http://www.fishandboattube.com.au/media-gallery/402
Here is a perfect example why circles work for me. Perfect Hook set. Right through the lower Jaw. He wasn't going anywhere. Easy Dehooking and off He went. 20/0 Mustad.
Circles take some getting used to....but are the superior tool.
I keep trying to get Alan to use them rock fishing....I can't emphasize enough how dreamy they are...squid tipped hoochies right off the bottom...set the rod in the holder....when it doubles over you have one....slowly wind in while the other hoochie dances around...rod gets heavier and you have two....just ridiculously effective and for utter beginners as well.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii261/haugusnord/P1000601.jpg) (http://s266.photobucket.com/user/haugusnord/media/P1000601.jpg.html)
I agree on the superior tool comment above. I watched an "expert" on a video tell me that circles work for halibut when anchored, but for drifting the J hook was the go to tool. I don't anchor in 700' for deep water halibut and I use circles. The key for me is to give that fish lots of line when the bite happens. I let 6 or 12' of line out for the fish to take the bait, then reel down to the fish.
For fishing in the Gulf of Mexico it is required that circle hooks be used when bottom fishing. There must be scientific literature backed up by Marine Biologist data for this requirement to be in place but then again we are dealing with the Federal Government! 😳
Mac
I like J hooks but fish them like circles in that I don't set the hook, just wind them on. It's also harder to hook live bait with a circle and I like my bait to swim well.
Quote from: Meanwhile on June 08, 2015, 06:28:43 PM
I agree on the superior tool comment above. I watched an "expert" on a video tell me that circles work for halibut when anchored, but for drifting the J hook was the go to tool. I don't anchor in 700' for deep water halibut and I use circles. The key for me is to give that fish lots of line when the bite happens. I let 6 or 12' of line out for the fish to take the bait, then reel down to the fish.
Where did you see this "expert's" video? Lots of misinformation on "C" hooks on a current thread on a popular NW fishing web site last week.
Quote from: MarkT on June 13, 2015, 03:16:25 AM
I like J hooks but fish them like circles in that I don't set the hook, just wind them on.
I like "C" hooks but do the same thing with "J" hooks. Some of the places I've fished YT at you get rocked if you let them run before "setting" the hook.
I love circles but they take a bit of getting used to. I always used to try and hide hooks. this wont work with circles just through bait once and with live bait a bridle. I like to use a cable tie through the jaw. Fast and strong
Circles are great in freshwater where you are fishing around dead timber bottoms. Much harder to snag on a retrieve.
Quote from: saltydog on October 03, 2012, 03:23:49 AM
The key with any circle hook is to not set the hook.The fish will do that themselves.Thats why it works great on some fish but not on others,if they chew and spit like Snook you better break out the J's but it is the ones that gulp and run that are most often caught on circle hooks.A tuna doesn't swim up and stop to mouth a bait,it inhales and leaves always on the run,a Snook on the other hand will mouth a bait sometimes for minutes before it decides to eat and then it just sits there,cuss,cuss,cuss!And if you have ever fished for Sheepshead those nibblers are hardly ever caught on any type of circle hook,j hooks only.Each type of fishing is different.
I agree, i was told this when out fishing our boat club matches,
if you let you hook/bait sit long enough most fish will swallow it
right down.
One great tip is debarb your hook, far easier to un hook, some think
you will loose the fish, ive never lost a fish yet, all of my trout and
boat hooks are all debarbed, the fish swallows it and it's barbed well
when you try to remove it you are ripping flesh.
Funny if i buy a packet of hooks that are offset i straighten them,
if they feel a wee prick from an offset hook it might just drop
the bait and move on, i don't know, but i do know debarbing your
hooks will land you the same fish and you will never loose one,
it's a confidence thing that i did for many years, but if im fishing
for fish for the pot i leave the barb as is.
Whatever works for the angler i say, it's a confidence thing.
The only reason for a barb on a C hook is to keep the bait on and marketing, I prefer barbless C hooks.
I had to read this post, just to see how heated the debate got. If I am bait fishing for Halibut, I have to give my choice to the offset hook for beginners. More experienced fishermen I don't think it matters - j-hook, circle, off set or not, as long as you fish each correctly. But I would almost always prefer to jig for Butts. Other than that we do not have any need for circle hooks up here.
Brent
Quote from: ALASKAFISHMAN on February 23, 2016, 11:25:08 AMI had to read this post, just to see how heated the debate got.
LOCK & LOAD . . . LOL ! ! !
Quote from: ALASKAFISHMAN on February 23, 2016, 11:25:08 AM
Other than that we do not have any need for circle hooks up here.
Brent
When I lived in Ketchikan I felt the same way and used 10/0 double J hook mooching rigs for halibut. Now that I have learned how to use C hooks I don't think I would ever go back to J hooks for butt.
Quote from: day0ne on November 20, 2012, 07:50:51 AM
Quote from: rscotth on October 05, 2012, 10:18:26 PM
Anymore with all the law changes my "J" hook cache has really shrunk. Seems like they are trying to do away with "J" hooks altogether.
In Florida the "law" says you must use circle hooks when fishing for "reef" species and have venting tools and dehooking devices. Kinda vague since the fish targeted on the reefs can also be found inshore, in the inter-coastal and just about everywhere. I even had the "undercover" FWC asked about circle hooks when they boarded us last month but we were diving for bugs on that trip, but they are checking. I think the most recent change is non stainless circle hooks with natural baits in Atlantic federal waters north of 28°N. It's really getting to be quite a job just being knowledgeable and compliant with the "law of the week" method Florida uses. :-\
In the GOM (not Gulf of Maine), non stainless circle hooks are required for reef fish in federal waters. Texas waters require circle hooks on saltwater trot lines (with gap and size restrictions), and red snapper must be taken using a pole and line and a circle hook.
Off set circles are not ok in fl where circles are required, on reef fish.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe FL has some restrictions on offset circle hooks.
Quote from: anglingarchitect on February 23, 2016, 02:59:32 PMSomeone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe FL has some restrictions on offset circle hooks.
http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/reef-fish-gear-rules/ (http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/reef-fish-gear-rules/)http://catchandrelease.org/circle_hooks.shtml (http://catchandrelease.org/circle_hooks.shtml)
The only circle hook that does not destroy my confidence is the Gamakatsu octopus circle hook. They are not as extreme as most. Even normal octopus hooks are less likely to snag than J hooks. Offset hooks are more prone to snag or spin and always look like they are going to bend and break. Barbless hooks also destroy my confidence but a hook with the barb mashed down is acceptable and just as easy to remove. I never strike to set a hook for fear of spooking the fish prematurely. If I could get over all the mental hang-ups I'd probably catch more.
-steve
Every now and then reverting back to "J" hooks reminds me why the circles are my hooks of choice. When fishing bait for smaller fish the J's have it for me. A Octopus style hook is hard to beat for small fish. BUT I still do not set the hook, the small thin wire hooks set them self. Fishing Tuna, Grouper, etc. it's circles. Wide gap circles make it easier to get a bait, especially live bait on the hook with the least damage. The wide gap especially helps baiting with non kerbed hooks. Also on another note, a lot for my jigs now have non kerbed "J" hooks in lieu of trebles.
Quote from: oc1 on February 24, 2016, 09:28:24 AM
The only circle hook that does not destroy my confidence is the Gamakatsu octopus circle hook.
I enjoy them as well but unless they are 2x or 4x i stay away from non 2x etc as they break. I lost a few mutton on boat (8lb to 10lb) and almost lost a 29lb permit bridge fishing.
Quote from: oc1 on February 24, 2016, 09:28:24 AM
The only circle hook that does not destroy my confidence is the Gamakatsu octopus circle hook. -steve
Those are the ones I like as well.
I use the same hooks on my rigs (Gamakatsu octopus)
Joe
With the turned up eye?
Just looking at the advertisments, it seems an "octopus hook" has the point curved in toward the shank but not necessarily with the upturned eye. Not sure what the upturned eye is supposed to do.
I've been shopping hooks after snagging a 1/0 Gamakatsu octopus hook on something the other day and straightened it out while pulling on the 20 pound floro leader. Maybe their 1/0 was not designed for use on a twenty pound leader, but I'd prefer the weakest link not be the hook.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on February 25, 2016, 09:10:24 AM
I've been shopping hooks after snagging a 1/0 Gamakatsu octopus hook on something the other day and straightened it out while pulling on the 20 pound floro leader. Maybe their 1/0 was not designed for use on a twenty pound leader, but I'd prefer the weakest link not be the hook.
-steve
That's interesting. I've seen quite a few Gamakatsus break. (5/0, 6/0, 7/0 octopi and others) Maybe they are trying to address the brittleness issue and went too far the other way.
Mike
Not that I fish big game, because I don't. But I do fish around rocky areas. In my experience I have never had a "g" hook break or bend. I use the turned up eye because I find them much neater to tie the snell knot to. I fish mainly Stripe Bass, Fluke, Black Fish and winter flounder. I don't fish exclusively with "G" hooks but when I make my own rigs I do.
Joe
Is 'G' hook the same as octopus Joe?
Mike, it was one of Gamakatsu's red hooks. Don't know what the color means or if they are different from their blue or black nickel in that same size. I tie jigs that are bumped over rocky bottom and the red paint chips off with the first use. It is shiny metallic under the paint.
I've been using some Mustad J hooks and Gamakatsu live bait hooks until I find a stronger octopus/G hook in that size. There is a difference in the how often they become snagged.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on February 25, 2016, 09:10:24 AMNot sure what the upturned eye is supposed to do.
The upturned eye lets you Snell the hook with the line passing straight through the eye, which is stronger and allows a "straight-line pull" when setting the hook and fighting the fish.
Tight Lines !!!
Quote from: oc1 on February 25, 2016, 08:36:10 PM
Is 'G' hook the same as octopus Joe?
Mike, it was one of Gamakatsu's red hooks. Don't know what the color means or if they are different from their blue or black nickel in that same size. I tie jigs that are bumped over rocky bottom and the red paint chips off with the first use. It is shiny metallic under the paint.
I've been using some Mustad J hooks and Gamakatsu live bait hooks until I find a stronger octopus/G hook in that size. There is a difference in the how often they become snagged.
-steve
I'm sorry I just was lazy and instead of typing Gamakatsu I used "G" for the Gamakatsu hook. I use the turned up hook, I corrected this post because I didn't understand my own comment's.
Joe
I agree with both Mike and Dave on this...
QuoteThe upturned eye lets you Snell the hook with the line passing straight through the eye, which is stronger and allows a "straight-line pull" when setting the hook and fighting the fish.
This is the reason, and I snell (turned up eye) or palomar knot (straight shank) all my inshore hooks.
QuoteThat's interesting. I've seen quite a few Gamakatsus break. (5/0, 6/0, 7/0 octopi and others) Maybe they are trying to address the brittleness issue and went too far the other way.
I still use Gama's, but they were brittle when I bought a case of them about 6 years ago. The reason I stick with the Gama's is because Daiichi, Mustad, and other thick shank hooks put too big of a whole in a stripers mouth for my liking (easier to spit hooks). On fluke I like 7/0 Owner shiner hooks or 5/0 Gama octopus (not circle) hooks and porgy, sea bass, and others I go with a thinner wired hook unless the sea bass are of the larger variety.
I've tried a large selection of inshore hooks and they all have advantages and disadvantages... so I'll stick with Gama until something else comes along that I consider better.
Thanks
Dom
The hook that snagged and bent was tossed so I took a pair of pliers to a new one to see if it bent or broke. It's a smaller hook than you guys are using though (1/0).
(http://www.raingarden.us/snap/octopus.jpg)
Owner Gorilla Light 1/0 or Aki Twist 1/0 might be right for me.
-steve
Quote from: broadway on February 27, 2016, 08:42:03 AM
I agree with both Mike and Dave on this...
...
I still use Gama's, but they were brittle when I bought a case of them about 6 years ago. The reason I stick with the Gama's is because Daiichi, Mustad, and other thick shank hooks put too big of a whole in a stripers mouth for my liking (easier to spit hooks). On fluke I like 7/0 Owner shiner hooks or 5/0 Gama octopus (not circle) hooks and porgy, sea bass, and others I go with a thinner wired hook unless the sea bass are of the larger variety.
I've tried a large selection of inshore hooks and they all have advantages and disadvantages... so I'll stick with Gama until something else comes along that I consider better.
Thanks
Dom
I also still use the Gamas. Similar thinking, and add the fact that they are as sharp or sharper than anything else, and available everywhere.
Mike
For bottom fishing around Fla/GOMex waters the VMC 3X Nemesis Circle hooks, 6, 8 and 10 have a large user base. If you need a thick shanked hook that will not break then these may be what you are looking for. The 8 is especially coveted which makes them so hard to find at times. They have about a 5 degree off set and are deadly at what they do if you just let the fish eat then reel down on the taut line. No setting, pulling etc is necessary.
I've been thinking . . .
I wonder if the use of Braid is contributing to hooks bending and breaking ?
Mono stretches and provides a "cushion", while Braid has virtually zero stretch.
Also, Braid, as it is typically used on reels, has a much higher lb-test rating than Mono of the same diameter.
Now, combine "zero stretch" and a "stronger" line with an Angler who can now exert much more "pulling power" on a fish or in a "snag" situation . . . The hook may now be the "weak link" !
Thoughts ?
Interesting thought. I think once you pass the break factor it doesn't matter if your using braid of mono. The hook is definitely going to severely bend or snap! The only sure way to remove the hook out of the equation is to use a thicker shanked hook. The use of 2X or 3X hooks pretty much guarantees no break offs due to the hook. This comment maybe more relevant to bottom fishing.
Quote from: ez2cdave on February 27, 2016, 04:39:16 PM
I've been thinking . . .
I wonder if the use of Braid is contributing to hooks bending and breaking ?
Mono stretches and provides a "cushion", while Braid has virtually zero stretch.
Also, Braid, as it is typically used on reels, has a much higher lb-test rating than Mono of the same diameter.
Now, combine "zero stretch" and a "stronger" line with an Angler who can now exert much more "pulling power" on a fish or in a "snag" situation . . . The hook may now be the "weak link" !
Thoughts ?
I don't think that's a full explanation. I've seen broken Gamas with spectra and mono both. And, sure, mono gives a cushion, but so does the rod tip. With most setup, knots should give out before stout hooks.
Quote from: mike1010 on February 28, 2016, 04:54:19 PMI don't think that's a full explanation. I've seen broken Gamas with spectra and mono both. And, sure, mono gives a cushion, but so does the rod tip. With most setup, knots should give out before stout hooks.
My thoughts are drawn to being able to "horse it" with Braid . . .
Very easy, for example, when you have a 15lb-test diameter Braid that breaks at 65lb or higher. Now, combine that with the zero-stretch factor ( even with rod tip "give" ) and it is much easier to "shock" the hook, possibly snapping it more easily.
I thought I would "re-visit" circle hooks.
(A) For fish that slowly swim up to a bait, inhale it, and swim off, I think they are OK.
(B) However, for fish that attack at high speed, "slash" at the bait, and then zoom back to grab a piece, "on the fly", definitely not, especially INLINE hooks !
I also believe that circle hooks should not be used with live baits.
WHY ?
Let's start with the "instructions" that come with circle hooks . . .
(1) If you get a hit, slowly reel the line tight.
(2) Do not "set the hook".
(3) The fish will "hook itself", right in the corner of the mouth, almost every time.
That is fine for "Type A" fish, most of the time.
BUT, a "Type B" fish, with its "high velocity" attack, Actually simulates a "rip their lips off" hookset, on the strike, causing the circle hook to fail to impale itself, most of the time.
Frankly, when seeking something like King Mackerel, I use Treble hooks, often 2 or 3 at a time.
All thoughts are welcome !
Dave F.
Treble hook rig for "Slashing" fish . . .
(https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2021/11/SLS1221_F2-GULF_Gulf-Tuna-and-Marlin-illo.jpg)
Quote from: Bunnlevel Sharker on December 05, 2012, 01:49:39 AMFirepro911, trust me if you would tie your own leaders out of 30 to 50lb mono you would catch more fish, and it would be cheaper
It sure would. I would never use a store bought rig.
I didn't like circle hooks at first but sure like them now for bottom cut bait fishing
Keith
Quote from: ez2cdave on May 19, 2022, 12:56:50 AMI thought I would "re-visit" circle hooks.
(A) For fish that slowly swim up to a bait, inhale it, and swim off, I think they are OK.
(B) However, for fish that attack at high speed, "slash" at the bait, and then zoom back to grab a piece, "on the fly", definitely not, especially INLINE hooks !
I also believe that circle hooks should not be used with live baits.
WHY ?
Let's start with the "instructions" that come with circle hooks . . .
(1) If you get a hit, slowly reel the line tight.
(2) Do not "set the hook".
(3) The fish will "hook itself", right in the corner of the mouth, almost every time.
That is fine for "Type A" fish, most of the time.
BUT, a "Type B" fish, with its "high velocity" attack, Actually simulates a "rip their lips off" hookset, on the strike, causing the circle hook to fail to impale itself, most of the time.
Frankly, when seeking something like King Mackerel, I use Treble hooks, often 2 or 3 at a time.
All thoughts are welcome !
Dave F.
Treble hook rig for "Slashing" fish . . .
(https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2021/11/SLS1221_F2-GULF_Gulf-Tuna-and-Marlin-illo.jpg)
Plenty of billfish caught on circle hooks, which are very much "slash at their meal" types of fish. If the fish is feeding it has to "eat" the bait at some point - many of those "slash" fish will hit their target then circle back around to swallow it at their leisure.
I guess it depends on whether you want any hookset, however tenuous it may be, versus a good solid one, albeit potentially missing some hook-ups.
EDIT: When I fish trebles, which I only do on trolling lures, I get plenty of fish hooked in the head, gill plate, outside of the jaw, sometimes even in the side of their body... though I still land them. I also have far more hooks pull out than when I fish circles.
I, and most others, fish live bait for Tuna (YFT, BFT) exclusively using circle hooks. If using a J hook, I fish it like a circle hook. That's true when using a J for Wahoo too. Yeah, I like crossing their eyes by aggressively setting the hook but that works best on Bass... not so much on Tuna!
Quote from: MarkT on May 21, 2022, 03:52:48 AMI, and most others, fish live bait for Tuna (YFT, BFT) exclusively using circle hooks. If using a J hook, I fish it like a circle hook. That's true when using a J for Wahoo too. Yeah, I like crossing their eyes by aggressively setting the hook but that works best on Bass... not so much on Tuna!
Yup.
It takes a lot of concentration and self-restraint to not gve it a jerk.
No matter how good your presentation is, it is still going to look unusual to the fish. It's not something they see every day. The fish I'm after will usually take a quick bite to kill whatever that thing is before gulping it.
if Circle, usually offset for harvest & inline for C&R
offset does more jaw damage & much more likely to gut-hook
J for fun -- I LIKE deciding when & how hard to set
I used to fish with a (very successful) skipper in the UK who would say 'Wind 'em on, don't pull their bl@@dy heads off!' when he saw the rod top nodding. Generally deepish water - 200 to 400+ feet - and sometimes up to 3lb of lead (we didn't have gelspun line back then, but we did have braid - dacron braid).
We fished J hooks for lures and for bait back then. I can't tell you what he said when he first saw my circle hooks but it was along the lines of ' :-X ...factory rejects on my boat!' But then he saw how effective they were, for bait, and stopped ranting a bit. Never tried them for lures though.
Point is that these were the original Mustad Tuna Circle 59960ST hooks and were not sharpened but used straight from the box. Sharpened hooks would not slide around in the mouth (or deeper) but would snag anywhere, leading to deep hooking. The blunt hooks would be drawn into the scissors and roll over the jawbone exactly as they should.
Catch and release - unsharpened and non-offset circle hooks
Catch and keep - sharpened and offset circles or J hooks (unless the offset leads to spinning and twisting).
Now I know everyone knows hooks should be sharper than a scold's tongue, but sometimes we don't always know what we think we know. ::)