Circle hook

[Solitario Lupo]

So what's a circle hook. Just used a circle hook to catch that cat. It just had plain circle on package. I've been using the circle octopus hooks and had them get swallowed. So was it size of the hook or is there a difference. Looks like the hook is bent more at the tip.

 

[Melvinp]

I’ve really only have had a few cats actually swallow my circle hooks most hook ups are in the corners of their mouths but I’m not normally fishing for monsters probably 5-7 pounds I’m probably in the 1/0 range

 

[troutspinner]

We use 8/0 and 9/0 circle hooks hooks when we fish for striper with bait. The idea is that you pull the hook out of the throat or deeper area and the point rotates to hook in the mouth. There is no “setting” of the hook, it sets itself. You just reel, no jerk.

Sounds like you may be using too small of a hook. If I were catfishing for say flatheads, I would be using 5/0 or larger.

 

[Redman9603]

I just started using them this year for carp and cats. Started with 3/0 but moved down to 1/0. Haven’t had any swallowing of them. Have used circles in Ocean City for flounder for years and they always hook the corner of mouth.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Used those circle octopus on trout and powerbait thinking it would work but they still all swallowed that hook.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

We use 8/0 and 9/0 circle hooks hooks when we fish for striper with bait. The idea is that you pull the hook out of the throat or deeper area and the point rotates to hook in the mouth. There is no “setting” of the hook, it sets itself. You just reel, no jerk.

Sounds like you may be using too small of a hook. If I were catfishing for say flatheads, I would be using 5/0 or larger.

I usually just reel so it seems like it doesn’t set the hook if they are sluggish and no runs in them. Plus I use those automatic hook setters that has a slow pull.

 

[Redman9603]

How small? The small egg hooks get swallowed easily. Trout usually swallow upon hitting a bait but cats and carp seem to keep it in their mouth.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

For trout I’ve used them from 12 to 6. Now I’ll tie flies on them and they seem to do good but not for bait just sitting there. I’m thinking octopus circles are not true circle hooks. Also tie flies on the bigger 8/0 octopus hooks for Muskie and they seem to work great too so I’m always wondering now if the size of hooks do matter. Not for mainly catching fish but for the issue of getting swallowed or not.

 

[Don]

For trout I’ve used them from 12 to 6. Now I’ll tie flies on them and they seem to do good but not for bait just sitting there. I’m thinking octopus circles are not true circle hooks. Also tie flies on the bigger 8/0 octopus hooks for Muskie and they seem to work great too so I’m always wondering now if the size of hooks do matter. Not for mainly catching fish but for the issue of getting swallowed or not.

I don't have enough information or experience to judge whether octopus circle hooks or any better or worse than truth circle hooks. I do know that my favorite size for bluegill heads is 3/0. The size catfish I'm catching range between 2-9lbs. I've never seen them swallow these hooks. Now it could be because the bluegill head is so big. When you use man-made bait it might not be as big.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Will have to use them more and try the different types in same sizes. Let ya know which ones I like better.

 

[Don]

Will have to use them more and try the different types in same sizes. Let ya know which ones I like better.

Perfect.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

3/0 circle hook swallowed by this little one. Even thought it be to big for it but guess not.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Another circle swallowed by a small cat and when a circle gets swallowed good luck try to get it out. I just had to cut the line. Not sold on circle hooks catching fish in the side of the mouth all the time. Maybe it works great with big fish and live baits.

 

[Melvinp]

What kinda weight rig are you using?

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Line threw egg weight barrel then leader to hook.

 

[Redman9603]

That’s the same set up I use for everything from cats to carp to trout on the bottom. I think I need to set the hook sooner- I wait too long and they swallow it.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Just did 2 splits and ran the hook. Seems like they get it deep sometime. Was good day all cats hooked in side.

 

[Melvinp]

Take a piece of grass,stick or some kind of indicator on the line about 4 to 8 feet pass your rod tip to see those light biters a lot of times they come straight at ya

 

[Redman9603]

I need to try that place for cats. It’s so close to home.

 

[Solitario Lupo]

Let me know I’ll show you the holes.