Octopus Hooks

[Fat-G]

I got some today (2/0) for wacky rigging Trick Worms. I've heard the hookset with these doesn't need to nearly be the eye-crossing, ground shaking steel-setters that some types of plastic-riggings require. Is this true? I've also heard that with Octopus/Circle style hooks, you just start reeling in when you get a strike. Is this true?

[Tin]

Octopus hooks that are not circle hooks are the best for wacky rigging imo. They require a hookset but every time that hook is usually buried in the roof of the mouth. Octopus circles are a whole other issue and I can't stand them.

[uicdent11]

You will have to set the hook with octopus hooks. They are my favorite for wacky rigging any size senko. I have never used circle hooks so I cannot comment on them.

[Crestliner2008]

Octopus hooks do not require a hard hook set. These hooks are usually designed on a fine wire frame and they penetrate easily. A slow, sweep-set is usually all that's required. However, understand that using this kind of hook, you will gut hook a percentage of your fish. If you can live with that, they are well designed to "catch" fish.

For wacky rigging any worm, I've been using Gamakatsu's In-Line Oct. Circle hooks (1/0) for many years. I even crimp the barbs down on them. Have never had an issue with them at all. 99%+ will be hooked in the lips of the bass. With these true circle hooks, when you see your line starting to move, you just start reeling.

[Wayne P.]

The force needed to get hook penetration with Octopus hooks is relative to the diameter of the wire and the barb size.

Octopus hooks and Octopus Circle hooks are available in several wire diameters for use when seeking a wide range of fish sizes in fresh and salt water.

I use Gamakatsu Octopus hooks for wacky rigging and use the model # 02412 (2/0) for finesse worms and model #02413 (3/0) for Trick worms and Senkos. When I am fishing in snag free waters, I use the Owner Mosquito hook 2/0 (the largest available) since it has a smaller diameter wire similar to the Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap hook.

In all cases, I remove the barb to get better hook penetration with less effort. It also makes removal easier.

[NewAngler]

How would you guys say the sizes? How would 2/0 beput into words? Stupid quesion, I know. But the hook sizing schematics are crazy to me.

[bilgerat]

How would you guys say the sizes? How would 2/0 beput into words? Stupid quesion, I know. But the hook sizing schematics are crazy to me.

Download and print this chart. You MUST print it as it will be to scale.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content/Parts_Sizing.htm

[islandbass]

How would you guys say the sizes? How would 2/0 beput into words? Stupid quesion, I know. But the hook sizing schematics are crazy to me.

The "0" is pronounced phontetically like the word ought.

A 2/0 hook is pronounced therefore as a two-ought hook. 4/0 is four-ought.

I use octos in my salmon fishing.  I'd use them in a pinch for wacky or drop shot rigs if I had to.

I agree with crestliner on the hookset. As for gut hooking, I have never experienced it in my fishing but it is quite possible as it is with other hooks.

[Hammer 4]

never had a gut hook with octu circle hooks, just set the hook on the first tap...

[rboat]

I tried these circle hooks made for wacky and hated them. The small agressive fish would swallow it all before you could feel them. I went back to an EWG and always hook them, even the smaller ones, in the lip, but others seem to like the wacky hooks. :-/

[endless]

the circle i tried for catfishing before and they never set themselves for me and i just dont like that curve hook point.

for wacky im using octopus and wide gap, both gamas. thats all i got so im using them. wayne p been helping me out on the wacky rigged and its really paying off i caught my pb a 4.2 lber from his help before him i never used a wacky. any one over tried the owner wacky hook?? i seen it at gander mountain. i am curious to what others think?

[Wayne P.]

I took a long look at the Owner Weedless Wacky hook. It isn't substantial enough or available in a large enough size for my taste.

[NewAngler]

What's the difference in octopus hooks and a finesse wide gap? They look identical to me

[Wayne P.]

The Octopus hook has a longer shank, larger wire size, smaller diameter bend, and the hook point is further from the hook eye.

[roadwarrior]

#4 or #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks are ideal for live

bait. 95% of the hook-ups are in the joint of the jaw; gut

hooks are extremely rare. There is NO hook-set involved:

reel down and firmly lift the rod tip...Fish On!

8-)