Circle Hooks When Ice Fishing?

[Getanet]

I know circle hooks are becoming more popular with many fisherman, particularly during open water season when bobber fishing. I tried them this summer and have had pretty good success. But does any use them for ice fishing?  Seems like they would be great for dead sticks or rattle reals so you could give them plenty of time to take the bait. There's nothing worse than coming up empty on your hook set.  Just curious if they are as popular during the winter as they are in the summer. 

[bobbymalone]

I have ran them on tip ups with a sucker.  Seems to work well.  There is a bit of a learning curve with the hookset.  It comes easier if you already have experience with circle hooks.  

 

From my experience it works best to just kind of slowly apply the brakes to a spinning spool.  The quick jerk that you might use with a regular hook can just yank it out.  Usually not though.  

[Getanet]

I don't run tip-ups much, but could definitely see how they could be beneficial there.

 

Personally, there's nothing worse than having a slow day on the ice, then finally having the bobber go down a few inches and then just hover. Now you're playing the guessing game of "should I set the hook" or shouldn't I?  With the circle hook you can give them plenty of time without having to worry as much about a gut hook.

[Wanderer]

I prefer them on tip ups, especially with dead bait.  Like bobbymalone mentions, it’s not a hook set, it’s either just stop the run or start pulling, no “setting”.  It’ll up your percentage.