What would happen if you set the hook on a circle hook?

[Fisher0517]

Also are circle hooks bad? And on the Owner SSW do you set the hook? Also are there any hooks for wacky rigs where you do set the hook? I don’t know if not having to set the hook is good or bad?

[huZZah]

Here’s me:

 

I only use circle hooks (octopus) for cat fishing. And I don’t really catfish anymore.  The circle hook is designed to set itself and you just reel in. And that is what mine always did. 
Setting a circle hook is really just ripping on it. You may hurt the fish, you may rip it out, etc. 

 

I set my hook on a wacky rig, yes. But I don’t use a circle hook. 

[Fisher0517]

3 minutes ago, huZZah said:

Here’s me:

 

I only use circle hooks (octopus) for cat fishing. And I don’t really catfish anymore.  The circle hook is designed to set itself and you just reel in. And that is what mine always did. 
Setting a circle hook is really just ripping on it. You may hurt the fish, you may rip it out, etc. 

 

I set my hook on a wacky rig, yes. But I don’t use a circle hook. 

What kind of hook do you use?

[Boomstick]

The only time I ever use anything close to a circle hook for bass fishing is really a drop shot hook that I used for a bit a few years ago, but generally don't use them anymore. Since a typical hookset on a drop shot is essentially pulling up on the rod, you can set the hook as normal without tearing it out of the fish's mouth and hopefully it set itself.

[Kenny Yi]

I will use a small size 1 circle for wacky rigs, occasionally.  When setting the hook, I focus on a steady sweep till I feel the pull.  Don't snap too fast, the hook will miss. 

 

If you like to have a fast "bass-style" hookset, then get a straight shank hook

[huZZah]

22 minutes ago, Fisher0517 said:

What kind of hook do you use?

I use a 1/0 or 2/0 gamakatsu wide gap. 

[papajoe222]

If you set the hook using a circle hook, you'll miss the majority of fish.  They are designed to cam over as the eye exits the fish's mouth, thus exposing the point for penetration.  They are great for teaching youngsters that don't grasp the whole hook setting thing AND they are great for eliminating gut hooked fish.

I use them on wacky and drop-shot rigs and rarely miss hooking up, but I constantly remind myself to just reel when I detect a bite.  I've even used them on a long C-rig leader where bites are difficult to detect.

[ChrisD46]

I am now experimenting with the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle hooks in sizes 1/0 (wacky rig Stick Worms) and #1 (wacky rig Trick Worms) .  Set up is a medium spinning outfit with #10 lb. ~ #15 lb. braid main line + #8 lb. ~ #15 lb. FC leader . 

[BrianMDTX]

Just now, ChrisD46 said:

I am now experimenting with the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle hooks in sizes 1/0 (wacky rig Stick Worms)

That’s my favorite wacky rig hook. Reel in the slack and it’s hooked. They are sharp as well. 

[CrankFate]

If you set the hook the sky will fall, the universe will explode and we’ll all die.