[relentlesscracker]

I fished the Mid-Atlantic Shootout this weekend and I am not sure if I experienced bad luck or bad tackle choices. We were eeling on some humps South of Rudee and had landed 7-8 fish in the 23-26 lb. range by 1000 am but we had two (maybe 35+) pull off at the boat and one nice fish that I would have bet half the farm was over 40 do the same. I was using 7/0 circle hooks was this a mistake or bad luck? I am quite new to striper fishing so any advice would be appreciated. I like releasing healthy fish and avoiding gut hooks but loosing fish like that hooks my guts if you know what I mean! Thanks
Lance

 

[Split Shot-MK]

We've got plenty of Striper, Reds, Blacks, etc. on Circle's - I love them. Easier on the fish and easier on the fisherman to remove the hook. I find that the circle hook is harder to lose a fish on once hooked. It can be argued that it can be harder to hook the fish but once hooked - it's harder for the fish to spit the hook. I'm a Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook Fan.

 

[NoCents-Gill]

We've got plenty of Striper, Reds, Blacks, etc. on Circle's - I love them. Easier on the fish and easier on the fisherman to remove the hook. I find that the circle hook is harder to lose a fish on once hooked. It can be argued that it can be harder to hook the fish but once hooked - it's harder for the fish to spit the hook. I'm a Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook Fan.

I agree. I use the same hooks. They work great for me. GIL

 

[eroller]

I've had the same dilema and beleive circle hooks tend to get caught on the eels if they ball up. Switched over to offest 7/0s on a suggestion by Les (cmacdol) and improved our hookup ratio.

 

[relentlesscracker]

Could small eels make that situation worse? Our eels that day were the smallest I have ever used. Thanks for the input
Lance

 

[GScott]

Offsets

No offense "eroller" but I don't believe Offset Circles do any thing more to decrease fish mortality than "J" hooks.
If one is fishing Circle hooks for the sake of the fish than "Inline circles" are the only ones that will benefit the fish and reduce mortality.
I admit I can not point to a definative long-term study to prove this but it seems obvious, or at least logical, to me.
Again, no disrespect intended.

GScott

 

[eroller]

None taken. I just can't seem to hook up using circle hooks as effectively, so I know I'm not effecting the mortality rate and I don't practice catch and release using eels.

 

[GScott]

Circles

I 'm still having a hard time getting used to them as well and my hook up ratio is down but I account that to the learning curve.
We may as well get used to them though. More and more fisheries are going to "Mandatory Circle Hooks" and they only include the Inline Circles.
(I believe the Spring, Susky Flats fishery is one of them, at least when using any kind of bait.)
It will be better for the fishery any way.

Peace,
GScott

 

[Chumlord]

cracker... What specifically was the hook you were using?

 

[martineta]

I emailed Max King and asked him why he didn't recommend circle hooks. I have been using circles successfully for 15 years on spawning stripers in the spring using herring for bait and giant blue cats in the James. His answer makes perfect sence. He charters without a mate many times. His customers do not always know that you don't set the hook. The customers have a tendancy to grab the rod on a bite and set the hook like bass fishing thus pulling the circle hook out of the fishes mouth. Now this is what I got a kick out of. Max said he liked the J hooks because he was still a boy at heart fishing farm ponds for bass. He likes to personally stick the fish. He told me since I fish with circles and leave the reels engaged for the fish to hook themselves and was having success, "Don't change a thing" I went eeling three times this winter for the first time in my life. We only had one fish come unbuttoned. I ain't changing a thing.

 

[gary49]

Rodney rod holder is your friend if you are using circle hooks--- let the fish hook itself.

 

[Cool Change]

On 12/29 it was just two of us in the boat. The first 4 fish of the day came unbuttoned on 7/0 circle/octo Gammys. This was a first for me as I have always had great luck with them. And I don't mean knock downs. I mean pole bent out of the rodholder drag coming off and then nothing. After four straight we were demoralized. Luckily when the tide changed in the afternoon we had 5 for five with a 38,41,44,45,46 so go figure.

Chris told me the next morning she likes and uses the Owner 9/0 J hook and has way less problems.

 

[Split Shot-MK]

We either have the reels not engaged and just have the clicker on or engaged - either way - with the drag set VERY lightly. When the fish takes the bait let him go and then slowly tighten the drag. As you slowly tighten the drag the hook positions and sets. Once the drag is tightened to fighting pressure that hook is set - once hooked - I don't think I have ever had a fish spit the hook with a circle.

 

[LY2000]

IMO offset circles are still better at reducing gut hooking than J hooks, by a long shot.

 

[relentlesscracker]

I am using the 7/0 Gama Octupus circle. Maybe I need to learn some patience a let the fish hook himself. At the same time, Max King is on top of his game right now. Immitation is the greatest form of flattery is it not? I don't see fish mortality as an issue if you are going to eat them anyway. I will stick with them one more time and play with the reels drag a little. Maybe that will be the best of both worlds.

 

[Chumlord]

Circle hooks are the only way to go especially in a fishery where releasing the breeding females, the ones you will not eat, is so critical. Remember, when the limit is only one fish per person per day many fish will be hooked and released, circle hooks significantly reduce mortality among hooked and released fish period. Anyone who does not use circle hooks is a fishing Neanderthal and in my opinion doesn't care about the fishery, doesn't know how to use a circle hook or believes bringing a fish over the gunwale for a prize or for clients is more important than having the 99% chance of releasing that fish virtually unharmed.

Personally I feel the 7/0 is a bit big but you must match the hook to the size of the eel. A bigger eel should perhaps get a 7/0 but I primarily use 6/0s. Additionally the smaller the hook the better when fishing light tackle and light drags, remember the hook mush penetrate the fish's jaw and drag pressure does that light tackle = light drag you must use thin, small, razor sharp hooks. Again I like the smaller eels and 6/0 Gamakatsu octopus circle hooks. If you have any further questions call me 407 5812 I will be glad to help.

Don't give up on the circles they are much better for our fish and they significantly out perform "J" hooks. I also find it humorous that as soon as someone loses a fish on a circle hook they tend to blame or at least wonder if the hook is to blame. I've lost plenty of hooks on "J" hooks I can tell you that. It's a matter of confidence and you can only build that confidence by using circle hooks believe me once you see the light you will never switch back. I can't even remember the last time I "set" the hook on a fish... that's a good thing!!!

 

[L HOLMES]

Yes I think everyone should use circle hooks. Im all about conservation and so are the circle hooks as you experianced 1st hand.

Can I get and AMEN from the congregation??

 

[TH]

I usually wiggle the eel near the surface then shoot the fish with a harpoon. Mortality rate is high but I can count on not loosing any gear.

 

[chugbugger]

Gama circle hooks and bait runner reels is the way to go. Keep rod in holder when they hit and lock in the reel. Take the rod in hand after the rod comes tight. Also you must inspect you hooks regularly cause I found the tip of the hooks bend after several hookups.

 

[BILL H]

I usually wiggle the eel near the surface then shoot the fish with a harpoon. Mortality rate is high but I can count on not loosing any gear.

Do you practice H&R (Harpoon and release)?