Model Behavior
Florida Sport Fishing|January/February 2018

Circle-Hooks Modernize Soft Plastics

Model Behavior

MANY FACTORS ARE INVOLVED in landing trophy game fish, but perhaps the most important component in facilitating the connection between angler and quarry is the hook. Though a vast selection of styles exists to suit various species and scenarios, the decision ultimately requires a choice between circle- and J-hooks.

Anglers in venues across the world have long relied on traditional J-hooks, but the emergence of circle-hooks has drastically changed the sport fishing landscape. While the prevailing purpose of circle-hooks remains conservation, anglers have come to learn that the benefits extend even further under certain circumstances. On the other hand, there are instances where the use of circle-hooks is ill advised and J-hooks are highly preferred to get the job done.

Conservation aside, circle-hooks produce the best possible results when fish take and turn on a bait or lure. Due to their inherent design where the hook point is turned perpendicular to the shank, circle-hooks don’t require the violent thrust of the rod tip typically associated with setting J-hooks. Instead, anglers are able to consistently achieve perfect corner hooksets by simply letting the fish eat, reeling tight and pointing the rod tip in the opposite direction of the fish’s travel.

This story is from the January/February 2018 edition of Florida Sport Fishing.

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This story is from the January/February 2018 edition of Florida Sport Fishing.

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