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.
The overall design of the circle hook means to fish is caught at the corner of the mouth. This occurs 95% to 100% of the time. In the event of a fish swallows the hook completely, because of the design the hook will slip through the gullet without catching on soft tissue. In fact, when used properly the hook will hit the corner of the mouth, kicks over, and the point catches and penetrates.
There is a way to ensure proper hook set if you are using the circle hook. And that is very simply not to set the hook at all. While most anglers instinctively set the hook, by overcoming that urge to rear back, it will almost always result in 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.
For those who prefer visual, you can easily see how a circle hook works with a fairly simple demonstration. Take a 24 inch piece of fishing line and put it into a size 5/0 saltwater circle hook. Now, raise your hand in front of you and create a "V." with your thumb and the rest of your hand. Hold the line, dropped the hook to the Palm side of your hand, and let the line rest across the "V.". This should give you a visual of what the hook looks like inside the fish's mouth. The V., is the corner of the fish's mouth. At this point, slowly pull the line so the hook comes up your Palm towards the V. Watch the hook as it makes contact with the skin between your thumb and forefinger. What you should see is the hook starting to rotate towards the point, exposing your skin to the point. This should give you a fairly good idea of how the hook works, and why the traditional hook set does not work.
One of the benefits of circle hooks is that it's pretty hard to shake them loose from fighting fish. The closed edge does not allow the hook to back out of the job. Overall, this is a great hook design. Once you resist the urge to hook, you'll find that you save money on lost hooks that wind up in the gut a fish and you'll also be able to help sustain your fishing area by releasing fish with a strong 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 Fishing Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.
