Circle Hooks

[gbassman519]

Can you use circle hooks for a wacky rig ?

[king fisher]

      Yes, but don't set the hook.  Slowly reel until line is tight.  Circle hooks work best with live bait.  The fish must take the bait deep in order for the circle hook to work correctly, and this can take time.  If the fish tend to spit the bait out quickly, than you will loose more strikes using circle hooks.  If they typically take the bait deep and hang on, than you will hook more fish with them.

[gbassman519]

Thanks wanted to try them bass fishing

 

[FrnkNsteen]

I use them all the time for wacky rigged baits. As King Fisher said,... You dont need to set the hook. When I feel them pick it up, I just reel up and slack and raise the rod tip and keep reeling. Usually get them right in the lip.

[PressuredFishing]

Yes but your hook up ratio will be less In comparison to mosquito style or j hooks. Circle hooks are designed to protect the fish from guthooks, but bass fishing with lures can aid in preventing guthooks. It's commonly used for catfish, carp, rays and skates, bottom eating fish that dead stick a rod. 

[Deleted account]

Yes, not a fan.

[georgeyew]

I use one for wacky fishing. And the big benefit is once the fish is hooked, it is almost impossible for it to throw the hook.

[papajoe222]

I started using circle hooks for wacky worms when taking kids fishing to prevent gut hooked fish.

I've long since switched to using them myself. I haven't seen any reduction in hook ups and, as stated, once they're hooked, they stay hooked. 

[Hammer 4]

Mosquito hooks work much better. Never gut hooked a bass yet with them. I'd shy away from the circle hooks, as mentioned above. 

[Aaron_H]

On 7/21/2022 at 11:31 AM, gbassman519 said:

Can you use circle hooks for a wacky rig ?

 

I used to use a 3/0 Mustad Demon Perfect circle hook for wacky rigging, my biggest wacky rig bass (8lb 7oz) was caught on one. They do work as long as you know how to fish a circle hook (good advice already given by other posters). Keep in mind that it will not always grab, and this may leave you very frustrated. I ended up leaving them behind for Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hooks and have been much happier.

 

But if you're determined to use them, they DO work.

 

Best,

Aaron

[FrnkNsteen]

7 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I used to use a 3/0 Mustad Demon Perfect circle hook for wacky rigging, my biggest wacky rig bass (8lb 7oz) was caught on one. They do work as long as you know how to fish a circle hook (good advice already given by other posters). Keep in mind that it will not always grab, and this may leave you very frustrated. I ended up leaving them behind for Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hooks and have been much happier.

 

But if you're determined to use them, they DO work.

 

Best,

Aaron

The key I found is always keep the plane of the hook perpendicular to the bait. If you are using an o-ring, don't just hook under it so hook is parallel to the center axis of the bait. 

 

If that is the case, put two o-rings on and cross them, then put your hook through the "X" so the plane of the hook is perpendicular to the axis of the bait again. When you get  bit, the bait keeps your hook in a position to catch inside the lip, or on the lip itself.

 

I use small ones. Can't remember right now if they are #1 or #2. They are just a bit over 1/2" in diameter. I know them when I see them. I rarely lose one when I get bit.

[Aaron_H]

4 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

The key I found is always keep the plane of the hook perpendicular to the bait. If you are using an o-ring, don't just hook under it so hook is parallel to the center axis of the bait. 

 

If that is the case, put two o-rings on and cross them, then put your hook through the "X" so the plane of the hook is perpendicular to the axis of the bait again. When you get  bit, the bait keeps your hook in a position to catch inside the lip, or on the lip itself.

 

I use small ones. Can't remember right now if they are #1 or #2. They are just a bit over 1/2" in diameter. I know them when I see them. I rarely lose one when I get bit.

 

Always. I prefer clear heat shrink tubing over o rings, personally.