Gut hooked bass

[zimmy]

no question that circle hooks will dramatically reduce gut hooks. I have yet to gut hook a fish with circles (knockonwood). They hook fish well too.

[jkjnp]

Bruce-
Some guys use a 1/0 or 2/0 treble hook and don't wait as long to set the hook. Seems to work well and protects the fish. I know that Blaine Anderson who fishes out of CT uses this method and releases a lot of fish safely.

Jonas

[fishpoopoo]

i use larger hooks now. gamakatsu or owner tuna hooks, 6/0 or bigger.

[parker23]

The gamakatsu I use are 9/0 live bait heavy duty. I like the lg size and short shank and holds the bait well.
I will have to try using a circle hook in a live pogie. How does the hook turn and set in the jaw if it is still stuck in the back of a 12" pogie?

[niko]

when that bass engulfs that bait it just gets sucked in. just let them hang themselves. i like gamis and the bigger the better. it's tough to give up the hookset but much kinder to the fish. try em you'll never go back. seems like you having a great spring.

[blue oyster]

gami non offset circle hooks , try them