Hook question

[usernamehere]

I mostly do bait fishing, either by float or bottom fish. Iv been using the J hook all the time, and I was wondering if I can use circle hook for bait fishing as well. I heard its better for the fish, and doesnt get caught in weeds as easily.

I mostly use live bait (worm, corn or some type of meat), and I go for anything that bites. Mostly sunfish, catfish, carp and occasional bass.

Would it be better to use circle hook, or J hook?

 

[apz245]

i read an article on the subject, J hooks do more damage to fish as they're more likely to be swallowed deep, but do have a slightly higher hooking percentage, from what I got out of the article though, the loss in hook ups was very little.

I use both and haven't noticed a real difference in either, I like circle hooks because I find them easier to rig up minnows with, big J's with double barbs I find better for worms.

 

[staffman]

No reason why circle hooks won't work for you, I prefer them when I use bait. Remember to start reeling when you get a bite or use a slow side sweep, but do not use the "American Bass" hook set.

 

[Porkpie]

I use circle hooks for live bait almost exclusively. They are an excellent choice for that purpose! Better hookups and fewer snags!

 

[morrisbp]

i always found that i never really needed to set the hook on circle hooks, and the fish never inhaled the hook, it is always easy to remove.

 

[usernamehere]

Thanks for the reply guys

I went to canadian tire today to get some circle hooks, but couldnt find any.

Im assuming a true circle hooks are like this, with the point of the hook pointed towards the shank. What i found at canadian tire were these "round" hooks, but I dont think these are the kind of circle hook everyone is talking about.

Where can you find a circle hook like the first pic? or can you use those "round" hook as well?

 

[morrisbp]

Thanks for the reply guys

I went to canadian tire today to get some circle hooks, but couldnt find any.

Im assuming a true circle hooks are like this, with the point of the hook pointed towards the shank. What i found at canadian tire were these "round" hooks, but I dont think these are the kind of circle hook everyone is talking about.

Where can you find a circle hook like the first pic? or can you use those "round" hook as well?

The round/circle hooks you are looking for are also called "octopus" hooks. And yes your first link is a circle hook. Gamakatsu makes a good selection of them, i think i use around a size 4. The larger bait shops will carry them, Sail. I'm not sure of your location, most dedicated tackle shops carry them but in Hamilton Bills Bait and Fishing World both stock them. Crappy tire isnt the best selection at times.