bpraz Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 i like to use these to wacky rig senkos then i only hook them in the lip which is better for the fish. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted December 3, 2008 Super User Posted December 3, 2008 When I go fishing, I like to catch all that bite so I use the regular Octopus hooks. I only use the circle hooks for pre-tournament practice when I don't want to catch any. Do you remove the barb? I do, it makes removal easier for you and on the fish. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted December 3, 2008 Super User Posted December 3, 2008 I use #4 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks exclusively with live bait. 95% of the fish are solidly hooked in the jaw joint. Gut hooks are extremely rare. If you use circle hooks, do not set the hooks, this simply pulls them out of the mouth. Lift your rod forcefully and maintain pressure, this will drive the hook deeply into the flesh. Once hooked-up, bass rarely pull off. 8-) Quote
Bronzefly Posted December 4, 2008 Posted December 4, 2008 If you use circle hooks, do not set the hooks, this simply pulls them out of the mouth. Lift your rod forcefully and maintain pressure, this will drive the hook deeply into the flesh. 8-) I thought lifting your rod forcefully was synonymous with setting the hook ;D Just kidding, that's a great tip! Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted December 6, 2008 Super User Posted December 6, 2008 There are circle hooks and then there are true circle hooks. If you use an off-set circle, you can defeat the purpose of using this design of hook. I always insist on inline circle hooks. Big difference in lip hook ratio. I use the Gama's red 1/0 inline circles for wacky rigging Senkos. Better than 90% are lip hooked. And for those that get swallowed, I crush down the barbs on all my hooks - except for drop shotting - which makes hook removal all that much easier. I even crush the barbs on my hard bait trebles. My catch rate is just as good as any of my fishing partners doing this and I feel better about returning fish with the least amount of damage. JMO. Quote
IDbasser Posted December 6, 2008 Posted December 6, 2008 I use the circle hooks with my wacky rigged senkos too. It is the only time I use circle hooks. Quote
MattStrykul Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 I use circle hooks when I'm dropshotting. Other than that, I don't use them. Straight shank 2/0 hooks for wacky rigging. Quote
justfishin Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 I have a buddy that swears by them. I tried them and caught fish. They do what is intended. My problem is I could never just lift up the rod. My hookset is ridiculous. When I set the hook, its violent, LOL. Just a bad habit I could never get rid of. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted December 9, 2008 Super User Posted December 9, 2008 I have a buddy that swears by them. I tried them and caught fish. They do what is intended. My problem is I could never just lift up the rod. My hookset is ridiculous. When I set the hook, its violent, LOL. Just a bad habit I could never get rid of. I carry Kahle hooks for friends we take fishing. "Real" bass fishermen just cant't get the hang of it and it's not worth trying to teach old dogs new tricks! 8-) Quote
Super User Sam Posted December 10, 2008 Super User Posted December 10, 2008 We do what Roadwarrior says to do when fishing for catfish. Hooks go to the corner of the fish's mouth and are easy to remove. As for bass and live bait, I use straight shank hooks with Nightcrawlers and minnows but I don't fish live bait much unless I take some kids fishing. Quote
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