Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post

FishermanTim · 03-30-2011, 10:34 AM

I haven't used a "J" style hook for baitfishing for close to 10 years.
I don't know what the problem is regarding the use of circle hooks.
They are easy to use and catch just as many RELEASABLE fish as "J" hooks.
However the reverse cannot be said, that "J" hooks are gut-hooked as much as circle hooks.
When I used "J" hooks, being able to release a fish unharmed was uncertain because you never knew where the hook would end up in the fish. Circle hooks are almost ALWAYS found in the corners of the mouth when used properly.

Any steps we take, even "baby steps", to help reduce fish mortality and increase the fish numbers will be a good thing.

03-30-2011, 10:34 AM	#26
FishermanTim Registered User iTrader: (0) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hyde Park, MA Posts: 4,152	I haven't used a "J" style hook for baitfishing for close to 10 years. I don't know what the problem is regarding the use of circle hooks. They are easy to use and catch just as many RELEASABLE fish as "J" hooks. However the reverse cannot be said, that "J" hooks are gut-hooked as much as circle hooks. When I used "J" hooks, being able to release a fish unharmed was uncertain because you never knew where the hook would end up in the fish. Circle hooks are almost ALWAYS found in the corners of the mouth when used properly. Any steps we take, even "baby steps", to help reduce fish mortality and increase the fish numbers will be a good thing.