06-28-2001, 09:00 PM
Jerry (and other other anglers). <br><br>Important question I agree and glad you asked. <br><br>I think circle hooks have a real important part to play in not only reducing general fish morbidity (or damage), but also making catch and release much easier as well. <br><br>I fully support catch and release angling and that is one of the other reasons that none of our jigs or lures have any trebles on them (at all, not one). <br><br>So single hooks, in all their shapes and sizes, have an important part to play in catch and release angling IMO. <br><br>At the same time, there are a couple of points I would make about circles. Depending on the brand/size, some are cut too sharp and result in higher rates of lost fish because the hole made by the point is too jagged. <br><br>On species like Tuna, sharp circles are not the way to go from my experience. A common hook for them is the EC2005.<br><br>From my own point of view, and while hooking in the corner of the mouth is important for a number of fish species, for me "some" circle hooks take away "too much feel" from the bite. <br><br>I am one of those anglers who fishes almost entirely by feel so maintaining that for me is really important. <br><br>Having said that, we use a number of semi-circle hooks in our lures for the positive reasons I have already mentioned and with great results. <br><br>One good example is the Demon Fireball Squid Lures. <br><br><A HREF="http://www.outdoorcart.com/demon/fireballsquid.htm" target="_new">http://www.outdoorcart.com/demon/fireballsquid.htm</A><br><br>They have a mid set and rear trailing semi circle hook stinger on flexing 49 strand wire. These hooks sits in the middle of range in terms of shape, durability and hook up ability. Not too sharp and don't take away too much feel from the angler. <br><br>They also still have enough hook recurve to assist the angler on Wahoo and other pelagics, plus are tough enough to withstand the fish from hell if they turn up when being yo yo'ed. <br><br>When it comes to general trolling lures then it's the SS hooks I mentioned at the beginning of the thread. Why? Longer lasting, just as sharp if not sharper that most circle hooks, and they ensure that the lure travels properly at medium or high speeds. <br><br>I suppose the "heads up" for me is that circle hooks clearly have a place and role to play - depending - on the fish being targeted and the techniques being used e.g. live baiting = no circle hooks for me. Deep vertical jigging? Yes indeed. <br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B<br>Moderator - Lures/Baits<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>