circle hooks ???

[bucksnort64]

I don't want to sound stupid , but what are circle hooks

how are they used, and do they come in diff. sizes.

do they work on pan fish or what?

[PerchJerker]

They are kind of similiar to octopus hooks, but are even more rounded - it shoud be really easy to find some photos on the internet. They are used for live bait and the advantage is they almost always hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, so no more deep-hooked fish from live bait. They work great for big fish, like ocean fish and catfish. They work so/so for walleyes and I really don't use them. Sounds like some of the pike fisherman like them. I don't know if they work for panfish, due ot their small mouths. You could try asking in the sunfish / crappie forum and would probably get some good answers right away.

[sjburnt]

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[PerchJerker]

One more thing to mention - a KEY with circle hooks is that you DO NOT give a hard hookset. You just start reeling and apply slow and steady pressure, which drives home the hook. If you give a hard hookset you'll pull the hook right out of the fish's mouth and never hook up.

[Chode2235]

Circle hook :

Octopus Hook:

The best uses for circle hooks are for applications where you let the fish chew on your live bait. Lindy rigs, tip ups, under a slip bobber, cat fishing, etc. You just tighten up the line and the fish usually sets itself. I really like them, and use them almost exclusively for bluegills and walleyes.