Circle Hooks on Deadsticks

[Guest]

Hey guys I am thinking of using circle hooks on a deadstick at low this weekend anyone tried this before? Any tips on hooking the fish or types of circles - thanks Jaypout

[Toad]

I think the most important question to ask yourself is, 'For what reasons do I want to use a circle hook?'

What I'm getting at is that, as wonderfully as they perform in some situations, circle hooks work terribly in others. They're at their absolute best for fish that hit and run aggressively with a natural bait. But somewhat ineffective for fish that don't move much after striking. That's why they're often a poor choice for walleyes-- especially through the ice.

The hook needs to slowly roll in the fish's mouth, then pivot and penetrate as it reaches a fulchrum in the corner of the jaw. This is best achieved when the fish moves away from the angler, slowly, gradually exerting opposing tension on the line. Fish such as walleyes often spit a bait long before the hook ever has a chance to take hold. And the angler can't speed the process in most cases, by setting the hook themselves.

Now some of the more recent market introductions are really not true circle hooks at all, but rather hybrids that allow a degree of angler intervention (they're half circle hook, half octopus or wide gap).

Don't get me wrong, I think the hooks are a great option, and a terrific solution to catch and release dilemmas inherent with livebait fishing. Just need to clearly select the right situations for properly and effectively using the hooks.

Deadsticking for walleyes just might not be one of those times. But you be the judge.

-a friend called Toad

[Guest]

Toad what would you specifically recommend for use on deadsticking hooks as opposed to circle hooks and why?
Thanks Jaypout

[Toad]

The good old slip float rig is still tough to beat for hovering livebait. For hooks, again, I'm not saying circles won't work, but in most ice situations for walleyes, you'll hook more fish with straightforward J-hooks.

For minnows, go with a lightwire aberdeen, sizes #4 to #1. Hook the minnow lightly through the skin, parallel to the dorsal fin. It'll keep the minnow lively a good long time, which is exactly what you want. Good options include Eagle Claw 214s and Gamakatsu Aberdeens. Another great minnow hook, maybe the best ever made, is Gamakatsu's Split Shot / Drop Shot hook. Beautifully light in wire and weight, exceedingly sharp and an absolutely deadly hooker.

When you wanna add a bit of extra color down there, or need to anchor your minnow in place for slightly sluggish walleyes, substitute a jig for the hook. I've always done well with Jig-A-Whopper Walleye Hawgers and Bait Rigs Slo-Pokes. But jig selection is largely a matter of personal choice. Plus, confidence has a lot to do with it.

Tell you what, though. If you wanna try circle hooks for icefishing, pop 'em on a couple tip ups and experiment. Great pike hookers, and they often even alleviate the need for wire since fish mostly get pegged in the corner of the jaw. I'm partial to Eagle Claw Featherlite L702s and and L197.

Enjoy your fishing.

-a friend called Toad