Circle Hooks vs. "J" Hooks

[Bonito6t9]

Everybody either loves circle hooks b/c of their hooking capabilities and placement or the famous "J" hook... I prefer circle but many ppl i fish w/ hate them...either b/c they have lost fish or say circles r hard to hook bait onto... im lookin to do a survey on everyones favorite type of hook... im going to b doing some big game fishing this summer and want to know what the "pros" ha ha..use..tightlines everyone and thanks for any replies...


Fred

[Anthony]

Circles all the way, gammies or owner. I only use J hooks for tautog. Learning how to use circle hooks is the hardest part, but once you learn, it doesn't get any easier.

[Wrong Way]

I use both at times for high-low rigs. For fish finder rigs, I'd have to say circle hooks. I just like the feeling of picking up the rod and setting the hook and you're only suppose to do this with J hooks.

[Hat80]

Circles all the way!.....Tightlines

[OldBay]

J hook with a short dropper loop (no snell leader) on a Hi/Lo will not deep hook a sizable fish. 6 ounces of lead, and the tension on the line, work at pulling the hook out of the fishes mouth after the take. The short dropper and hook shank length aren't long enough to get to the soft stuff on a bigger fish. The hook set is the best part of the catch!! :D

On a fishfinder rig you dont have these opposing tensions to keep the hook from going deep. This is where I would use a circle - fishfinder rig, or snelled leaders, bait hanging from bobber etc.

Just some obs based on my exp.

[sand flea]

I've actually gotten to the point where I use them for almost everything. I even use tiny ones when I'm fishing for spot and croaker--the fish hook themselves when they pull against the sinker!

[Drumdum]

For drum and cobia,I use J's. I have as of yet in almost 30yr of fishing for big drum,to gut hook one.. They work for me,but I am
"on top of the rod" at all times looking for the slightest movement in the line or anything that may tip off the fact there is a fish on..Tryed the gami offset circle for a full yr and that didn't turn out too well.. On occassion I do put on a 13/0 mustad circle for drum,because of my success with that hook for stripers,but for the most part it's a J hook..
I agree the circle is the safer hook,and most folks nowadays use them. I use them on stripers because they hook them better than my j does for them,for some reason?? They are the safer hook,and I would recomend them for anyone in the sport.
When something works,for me at least,I'm going to use it..

[catman]

I use gammie circles 100%, even for freshwater now.

Catman.

[RuddeDogg]

I use both but it depends on what I am fishing for and how. I prefer circle hooks because of their hooking ability. J hooks are good for chunkin. I find that using circle hooks is more of a challange.

[Macman]

Circle hooks all around! I fish for fun, always releasing my catch.

Mike

[murphman]

Still using J hooks..also use Kahle hooks..not adverse to trying circles..have some rigs tied with them...like my J's for stripers, and sea bass...Kahles for flounder and trayt:)

[Digger]

It depends on what I fishing for.

Cobia it is a J hook.

Spot Croaker Pups is a Circle.

Flounder it depends on how I' fishing for them.

It varies, Gami's are almost out of stock and I will be glad when the last one goes .

[Bonito6t9]

Well it seems everyone has there "in & outs" on J hooks and circle hooks...i love to use circle hooks on croaker and spot..its make it so much easier then runnin up and down the beach when all four of your rods hit at the same time... i muse confess thoughi do use "J" hooks when i twist me king rigs.. and usually on my shark float rigs i use good size J hooks... but still for fishfinder and freelining bait i will always use circle hooks.. thanks everyone for all your knowledge on the 2 types of hooks and tightlines....good day and great fishin'



Fred