Need some info. on fishing circle hooks. Im still fishing Mustad 6/0 and 7/0 traditionals but want to make the change next year. I dont gut-hook fish that often but had a few large fish swallow the eel in 3 seconds or less that I had to cut-off, and thats still a concern to me.

What is the hook-up percentage in relation to standard hooks? Better? I heard you dont "set" the hook, you let the weight of the fish hook itself...is this true. What brand should I use? Mustad, Gama? Do they sell them "pre-made" (50lb leader/barrel swivel,etc) or do I gotta tie my own?

I want to make the change and its not a matter of if,its just when. But want to make sure I talk with some folks that use them and reduce my learning curve.

I use The Gammi 7/0 Heavy Duty Circles or the Diachi 7/0 HD circles. Hook up ratio is same or better and I can't remember the last time I guthooked one.

I do miss the hookset.

If i am casting from shore and not drifting them in a current i prefer a traditional hook as the urge to set the hook is just too great. You dont really set the hook, give it a few seconds to get the eel in its mouth good, you feel the weight of the fish then as it gets tight i still set the hook, i want to make sure its in there good.

personally it's been hard for me switching to circle hooks after 40 years of j hooks. I'd say the ratio of hook ups is only down slightly, but I still set the hook every now and then by instinct. What is true is that I catch almost all of them in the corner of the mouth, which is the point, and they work.

Just a point of information regarding gut hooking: not all circle hooks are created equal.

Offset (kirbed) circle hooks do not prevent gut hooking to the degree that non offset hooks do. So if eliminating gut hooking is your priority, don't use kirbed circles.

Thanks for answering my questions. Going to make the switch next year. Would this year but my season may have come to an end, as I screwed my back up pretty good Wednesday morning during that NE blow, a bit to rough and I pushed the limits of my body. MRI today.

i just cant use them. I'll never get out of the habit of crossing a fish's eyes. And I enjoy doing it. I dont gut hook many fish anyways.

I use Octopus style hooks, 7/0, for eel fishing. I don't think that many would consider them to be a traditional circle hook, but I can honestly say I have never gut hooked a fish using them and I DO set the hook. Perhaps I have just been lucky, but this is what has worked for me.