If you’re an avid angler, you’ve probably heard about circle hooks. They’re quickly becoming the go-to hook for striped bass fishing, and for good reason. Circle hooks are designed to reduce the number of fish that are hooked in the gut or gills, resulting in a healthier release and a more sustainable fishery. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at circle hooks and how they’re changing the game for striped bass fishing.
What are Circle Hooks?
Circle hooks are a type of fishing hook that is designed to curve back towards the shank, creating a circular shape. This design helps to prevent gut hooking, as the hook tends to slide to the corner of the fish’s mouth, where it’s less likely to cause injury. This is in contrast to J-hooks, which can often become lodged in the fish’s gut or gills, making it difficult to release the fish unharmed.
Why are Circle Hooks Better for Striped Bass?
Striped bass are a popular game fish, but they’re also an important part of the ecosystem. Because of their popularity, there are often strict regulations in place to protect the population. One of the biggest concerns for striped bass is overfishing, which can lead to a decline in population numbers. Circle hooks help to address this issue by reducing the number of fish that are injured or killed during catch-and-release fishing.
When using a circle hook, the hook tends to slide to the corner of the fish’s mouth, where there are fewer sensitive organs and a lower risk of injury. This means that the fish is more likely to survive after being released, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy fishery. Additionally, circle hooks can be easier to remove from the fish’s mouth, which reduces the time that the fish is out of the water and the risk of injury.
Where Can You Find Circle Hooks?
There are several companies that sell circle hooks, including:
1. Gamakatsu: Gamakatsu is a well-known fishing hook manufacturer that offers a wide range of circle hooks, including their popular Inline Circle Hooks.
2. Mustad Circle Hooks: is another major fishing hook manufacturer that offers a variety of circle hooks, including their Demon Circle Hooks, which are designed specifically for catching large fish like striped bass.
3. Eagle Claw: Eagle Claw is a well-known fishing tackle company that offers a range of circle hooks.
Here are some steps to using circle hooks for striped bass fishing:
1. Choose the right size hook: The size of the hook will depend on the size of the bait you’re using and the size of the fish you’re targeting. Generally, a size 7/0 or 8/0 circle hook works well for striped bass.
2. Tie your leader to the hook: Use a Palomar knot to tie your leader to the eye of the hook. Be sure to leave a long tag end of the leader, as this will be used to tie on your mainline.
3. Attach your bait: Thread your bait onto the hook, making sure it is secure and won’t easily fall off.
4. Cast your line: When casting, it’s important to use a smooth, steady motion to avoid causing the hook to rotate and potentially miss the fish’s mouth.
If you’re new to using circle hooks, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, circle hooks require a slightly different hookset than traditional hooks. Rather than jerking the rod when you feel a bite, you should slowly reel in the line until you feel tension, then simply lift the rod to set the hook. This allows the circle hook to do its job and hook the fish in the corner of its mouth.
Second, make sure to use the appropriate size circle hook for the size of the bait you’re using. Using a hook that’s too large or too small can decrease your chances of hooking a fish.
So how does this all translate to striped bass fishing?
Striped bass are notorious for swallowing hooks, which can make releasing them after catching them difficult and even deadly. Circle hooks have a much higher rate of hooking fish in the corner of their mouths, which makes catch-and-release fishing much easier and more humane. Additionally, striped bass often feed on live bait like eels or squid, which can be difficult to hook with traditional hooks. However, circle hooks excel at hooking live bait, making them an excellent choice for targeting striped bass.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to up your striped bass fishing game, consider switching to circle hooks. Not only are they more humane and environmentally friendly, but they can also increase your chances of success on the water. With a little practice, you’ll be reeling in striped bass like a pro in no time.
Meet The Author
Meet Keith, a passionate angler and the author of the popular fishing blog, “Anglers Hub.” Keith grew up in a NYC where fishing wasa way of life. As he got older, Keith’s love for fishing only grew stronger, and he decided to share his knowledge and experiences with his children and others through his blog. His son Pedro is a brand ambassador for Tsunami Tackle and S&S Bucktails two of the top brands in fishing.
In this article, you may come across affiliate links, which are links that lead to products or services that are being promoted. These links are specially formatted so that when a reader clicks on them and makes a purchase, the author of the article may receive a commission from the company that sells the product or service. It’s important to note that the use of affiliate links doesn’t affect the price you pay for the product or service. Instead, it’s a way for the author to earn a small percentage of the sale, which helps them to continue creating valuable content. Rest assured that any products or services recommended in this article have been carefully selected and are only included because the author believes they will be of value to the reader. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases