What is a circle hook and how to use them effectively.

What is a circle hook and how to use them effectively.


2 minute read

What is a circle hook and how to use them effectively? Circle hooks are an effective bait fishing method for targeting a range of species, they work well from freshwater species to large saltwater gamefish. 

Circle hooks come in a number of design variations, however, they usually have a point that turns inward toward the shank.

Supposedly to test of a circle hook you put it into your pocket and see if it snags onto anything while in there (we're not recommending trying this at home). If the hook doesn't hook anything in your pocket you know it will work the way a circle hook should when in a fishes mouth. It's a good way to visualise how a circle hook works when it enters a fish’s mouth. It doesn't snag anything inside the mouth and only snags on the lip as it's pulled out out the mouth as the fish turns to swim away. 

The main difference between using traditional hooks and circle hooks is that you don’t strike to set the hook when using a circle hook rig. In most situations you just let the fish hook itself. 

At first it can be hard to resist that instinct to set the hook, but once you’ve caught a few fish on circle hooks not striking becomes second nature. By not striking what you are doing is allowing the circle hook to position in the jaw hinge as the fish swims away with the bait. 

Sharp hooks, that are of the right size, along with a sinker that exerts the necessary amount of force is required to get reliable hookups. Another tip is not to block the hook gap with bait.

When baiting a circle you don't want your bait to cover the hook point, you might get some fish like this, but you will miss more than you get. This is because the bait shields the point and doesn't allow it to pierce the fish's mouth. Leave the point, the barb, and the whole side exposed when baiting up. 

A well baited circle hook and the right fishing technique results in a lot more fish in the bucket. 

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Octopus Circle hooks are the best selling and the most popular hooks of fishing in recent years. "This offset circle design is the perfect deepwater bottom fishing hook with paternoster ‘dropper-style’ rigs or normal boat fishing with cut baits, When… read more

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