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.
These hooks are designed to catch in the corner of the mouth of the fish. Between 95% and 100% of the time they work exactly that way. This even applies if the fish has completely swallowed the hook. Because of the mechanics, this type of hook slips through the gullet and does not catch on soft tissue. In fact, when properly done the hook will hit the corner of the mouth, kicks over, and the point catches and penetrates.
The key to accomplishing a proper set hook with the circle hook is to avoid setting it. In fact, more anglers go wrong the first few times they use circle hooks. Anglers have become so accustomed to setting a hook, that they often have difficulty overcoming the urge to rear back fast and hard as soon as they feel a strike. The most effective way to use this hook, is once you feel the fish fight slowly lift your rod tip and fight with your fish. While this might seem like a fairly simple process, the secret to making it work is to resist the urge to set the hook.
Rapala – VMC Saltwater Circle Hooks 7382BN 10/0P Qty 3
Rapala – VMC Saltwater Hooks 7382BN 10/0P Sure Set Circle Bk/N Premium tackle crafted from experience – Rapala VMC offers just the right hook and terminal tackle for any fishing situation. Saltwater hooks – Extremely sharp p oints with unsurpassed strength. Perma Steel plated for ultimate in corrosion resistance for the saltwater environment. Model: 7382BN10/0P Size: 10/0 2X Strong Type: Sure Set Circle Hook Quantity:
Whether you prefer to use live bait or dead bait, these hooks will work. Using the appropriate sized hook will also help. It is important to keep in mind that this should be sufficient exposure of the hook point to prevent the bait from interfering with the action of the circle hook as it pulls against the jaw of a 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 Saltwater Reels, Penn Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.
