Anyone ever use circle hooks to catch trout? I generally use bait holder hooks when fishing egg sacks or worms. I have only recently tried minnows but that's due to my lack of ability to cast a net thus far. I am planning on trying out minnows a little more often. Some people on the board were talking about letting the trout hang on to the minnow for 10 or more seconds and I was wondering if using a circle hook would result in more hook sets in the corner of the mouth. I usually immediately try to set the hook when fishing worms or eggs and still have some unfortunate hook placements. I have used circles a bunch of times for tuna but never for trout. Quite a different anatomy then tuna, so didn't know if this type of hook would work for trout. Also trout pick up baits much different then tuna so that might make it more difficult to use circles as well.
Would have to train myself not to set the hook if using circles.
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[cool][#0000ff]Have had a few past discussions on circle hooks for trout, and have checked a few comments on other websites. I don't think there is anything definitive, but there are some considerations. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First, they WILL work, on some fish, using some baits. Fishing minnows for larger fish would be a good test for them. Fishing a single salmon egg for a hatchery pet would not.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When using circle hooks you generally use a pretty good sized hook, in order to have a wide enough gap for the hook to do its job...pulling into the corner of the fishes' mouths. There are not many circle hooks small enough to work for smaller trout and larger ones can spook the finicky fish. Again, an individual situation. Larger fish and baits, in murkier waters...circles would work. Smaller fish in crystal clear waters...maybe not.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Trout do eat differently than tuna. Tuna slurp their food and head out. Trout often peck at it before getting it deeper than the front part of their mouth. If they feel a large hook they drop the bait. But, when the trout are aggressively feeding, on large baits, circles might help you release a few more fish without serious damage.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]PS...I have heard that some fly flingers use a form of circle hook on some patterns too. The trick to hooking the fish is to let it turn and start moving away with the fly before pulling tight.[/#0000ff]
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The main reason I even asked the question was due to seeing some at Cabelas today that were perfect size. Found Lazer sharp size 8 and there is a fairly big opening for it to get into the corner of the jaw. They are also very lightweight hooks so it doesn't seem that they will spook fish anymore then a regular hook. I got a pack to try them out. I thought they might work well for minnows given you usually let them hold on to the bait longer than worms or eggs. And I will try them out at the Berry where the hatchery pets aren't a problem.
I also walked by a fish cat 4 and decided to get it as well. Kind of a spur of the moment type of thing. Little bit of a bigger investment then a pack of hooks. I had a $50 off thing if I spent $200 or more. So I grabbed the tube and some miscellaneous items. I figure I can sit on it while ice fishing this winter (haven't tried this yet but will). I guess I could have bought a chair [crazy]. Well at least I will have plenty of time this winter to rig it up right before the spring. It will likely take me a while since I'm a novice at the tube stuff.
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[cool][#0000ff]I knew that there were more circle hooks being made with lighter wire and in smaller sizes. I suspect that they might just work well at da Berry.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Congrats on scoring the tube. If you have not already found us, come on over to the [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81;"]FLOAT TUBE BOARD[/url]. We have archives of lots of past threads on trickin' out all kinds of tubes, with all kinds of goodies.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Better yet, bring your new ride over to my garage and I will help you get it all set up the way you want...with rod holders, sonar, etc. I have done a lot of Fat Cats and Fish Cats. Shoot me a PM if you want to do that and I will send you my address and directions.[/#0000ff]
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I've been using light wire circle hooks almost exclusivly for bait fishing. Matzuo makes small sizes. Also my hot tactic @ the berry last winter was dead sticking a 6inch chub with a 1/0 circle off the bottom. Was great 4 over slot cutts. Only thing 2 remember is let the fish do the hooking! It's hard to adjust but you'll have better odds on safe releases. I still deep hook a few but way less than with any other hook style! Hope this helps