Circle or Octopus hooks on a crankbait

[Lottabass]

Has anyone experience with replacing the treble hooks on a crankbait with the circle or octopus hooks? It looks like they would be even more snagproof on a squarebill for example, and how is the hookup compared to trebles? If so, what brand and size would you suggest?  Thank you for your help!

[RRocket]

I've been wondering the same after Gamakatsu released a hook like that at iCast this year

 

https://fishingtackleretailer.com/gamakatsu-announces-crankbait-circle-hook/

[papajoe222]

If by snag proof you mean picking up vegetation, I can see why you ask and I can't offer anything.  If you're talking about snagging on laydowns, standing timber, docks or rip rap, IMO you're giving up a big percentage of hookups. You may as well avoid the cover because that's where cranks do their best.

[Lottabass]

@RRocket That's the hook I was wondering about!

@papajoe222 I love fishing cranks in wood cover!  

[Reel]

My experience with circle hook is that they are a no strike hook.  That means that with a crankbait you would not react but let the fish hook itself.  Difficult I would say !!

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I replace nearly all my SW plugs with inline singles.  They actually hold better than trebles, so long as you get a decent set.  I havent done nearly as much replacing trebles with FW lures.  Ive doe a little with JBs in the summer and they work better than expected.  I actually find squarebils to be one the more snag resistant baits, so long as its the right one moving at the right speed.  I have been replacing the trebles on my traps in late winter with duo hooks.  It makes a big difference when you're yo yoing them.  I have noticed that I do lose a noticeable amount more fish when even 1 treble is replaced by a duo, much less both.

Ive got a few older Yo Zuri plugs that came stock with circle hooks.  They do work, but the problem with circle hooks is they are a PITA to sharpen with the sharp angle they are on. 

I could definitely see them being useful in areas you dont want to blow out with a snag.  The problem with single hooks and snags is that they are much stronger than trebles due to wire size and shape.  If you do snag up, its going to be much harder to bend the hook out if you dont want to run the boat over and blow out the spot.     

[Lottabass]

@GetFishorDieTryin  Great!  This is the info I was looking for.