Circle Hooks
There are a wide variety of hook styles from which to choose when you’re fishing. While the “J.” style is still the most popular, the circle hook is gaining from more popularity. In fact, over the last 10 years more anglers are discovering that if they use it properly circle hooks increase fish survival.
Between 95% and hundred percent of the time, circle hooks will catch of fish in the corner of the mouth. In those cases where fish completely swallows the hook, the hook can easily slip through the gullet and not catch the underlying tissue. The theory behind this hook is that once it hits the corner of the mouth, it turns and the whole point catches and penetrates.
One of the biggest challenges for anglers, when they first begin using a circle hook is that they attempt to set the hook. It’s mostly a matter of instinct. Anglers have the instinct to set the hook. They have the hardest time overcoming this urge that forces them to rear back fast and hard as soon as they feel a strike. In the end, the result is a failed hook set.
Circle hooks work equally as well with live or dead bait. What is important, is choosing the appropriate sized hook so that a sufficient length of the point is exposed preventing the bait from interfering with rotating action. This is necessary to allow the hook sufficient room to pull against the job of the fish.
To get a visual of how the circle hook works, there is a fairly simple method. You will need a 24 inch piece of fishing line, and a salt water circle hook. Once you’ve gathered them, raise your hand in front of you and create a “V.” with your hand and thumb. While you’re holding the line, simply drop the hook on the palm side while the line lies across the “V.”. This will give you a visual image of what the hook looks like inside the fish’s mouth. We’ll assume that the “V.” is the corner of the mouth. Your next step will be to pull the fishing line very slowly while drawing the hook up your palm. What you should see is the hook gradually rotating towards the hook point, with the point now being exposed to your skin. Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of why the traditional hook set does not work.
The circle hook does not easily back out of the fish’s jaw. It also resistant to being shaken loose by a fighting fish – far more resistant than the J. hook. This fantastic hook design has not only this advantage, but once you resist the urge to set it, you’ll quickly find that it saves you money on hooks. Not only that, but you will be doing your part to sustain your fishing area by giving fish a far better chance of survival.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Reels.
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