How to Fish With Circle Hooks

The circle hook is so named because of the large bend it has in the gap, the part of a fish hook between the actual point of the hook and the shaft that comes down from the eye. Circle hooks have become popular among catch-and-release anglers, because the hooks basically set themselves and result in a low percentage of gut-hooked fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and reel Bait
Rod and reel
Bait

Step 1

Attach a circle hook to your line with a clinch knot. Thread the end of your line through the eye of the circle hook, wrap the line around where it comes into the eye five times, and then pass the line through the loop closest to the eye and pull it tight.

Step 2

Bait your hook and cast out. Be prepared for a strike from a fish, but remember that there is no need to set the hook hard, as with other hooks, when a fish does bite. This will take some getting used for anglers who have fished conventional hooks all their lives.

Step 3

Allow a biting fish to swim with your line after it has taken the bait. Watch the line as it tightens, indicating a fish is taking off with the bait in its mouth.

Step 4

Apply some pressure with your fishing pole to cause the line to become taut. This will cause the oversized circle hook to turn in the mouth of the fish and hook the fish in the corner of its mouth. Fish tend to have more fight in them when hooked this way, because the hook is not in their throat or stomach, so be ready for a battle.

Step 5

Play the fish until you land it. The typical fish caught on a circle hook should be easy to unhook, because the hook will be located in the corner of the jaw. Unhook the fish and check the condition of your bait before casting your line into the water once more.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...