Over the last decade or two circle hooks have been gaining popularity among fishermen. Having researched circle hooks for saltwater fish and using them catfishing I can attest to why, they just work better. However, when using circle hooks to catch catfish, there are several important things to keep in mind. We’ll cover the types of circle hooks, how to set a circle hook, how to bait a circle hook, and more as it relates to catching cats!
How to set a circle hook
I’m bad for acting like I’m setting the hook on a bass even when I’m using a circle hook. But circle hooks require different techniques. It’s important to avoid using excessive force during the hook-setting process. Forcing the hook or applying a strong jerk may cause the hook to dislodge from the fish’s mouth. Instead, maintain steady pressure on the line and let the hook set naturally.
Unlike traditional J-hooks, circle hooks are designed to set themselves when a fish takes the bait. It’s crucial to let the fish hook itself rather than forcefully setting the hook. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to jerk the rod. Instead, maintain a steady tension and allow the fish to swim away, which will cause the hook to rotate and set in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
Patience is key here, which is tough! Circle hooks require patience. Avoid the temptation to immediately strike when you feel a bite. Give the fish time to take the bait and begin swimming away. Maintain a gentle tension on the line and allow the circle hook to do its job. It may take a few moments for the hook to set properly, so be patient and let the fish hook itself.
Types of circle hooks for catfish
When it comes to selecting circle hooks for catfish fishing think about the size of the catfish you’re targeting and the type of bait you’ll be using. Here are some common types of circle hooks that are popular among catfish anglers.
Offset Circle Hooks: Offset circle hooks have a slight bend or offset near the point of the hook. This design helps improve hook-up ratios by increasing the chances of the hook finding its mark in the corner of the fish’s mouth. Offset circle hooks are versatile and suitable for a wide range of catfish sizes.
Inline Circle Hooks: Inline circle hooks have a straight shank without any bend or offset. These hooks are known for their excellent hook-setting capabilities while reducing the likelihood of gut-hooking the fish. Inline circle hooks are particularly useful when using live baits like shad or larger cut baits.
Octopus Circle Hooks: Octopus circle hooks have a shorter shank and a wider gap between the point and the shank. This design makes them suitable for a variety of bait sizes and catfish species. Octopus circle hooks are often used when fishing with smaller baits or targeting smaller catfish.
Best circle hook size for catfish
Generally, larger circle hooks are suitable for bigger catfish species. It’s a good idea to have a variety of sizes in your tackle box to accommodate different situations. The size you choose depends on the catfish species and the bait you’re using.
Larger circle hooks, such as sizes 5/0 to 10/0, are commonly used for larger catfish species like flatheads and blue catfish. Smaller circle hooks, such as sizes 1/0 to 4/0, are suitable for smaller catfish and channel catfish.
Benefits of using circle hooks for catfish
- Circle hooks have a unique design that improves hook-up rates, particularly in the mouth corner of the fish. When a catfish takes the bait and begins to swim away, the circle hook rotates and sets itself in the fish’s mouth. This mechanism reduces the chances of the hook being swallowed deeply or hooking the fish in the gut, resulting in more successful hook-ups.
- The reduced gut-hooking and minimal tissue damage associated with circle hooks contribute to higher survival rates for released catfish. By using circle hooks, anglers can help maintain healthy catfish populations and preserve the fishery for future generations.
- Circle hooks are safer for anglers as well. Unlike traditional J-hooks that may result in accidental hooking of the angler’s hand or body when setting the hook, circle hooks are less prone to causing such injuries. The self-setting nature of circle hooks reduces the need for forceful hooksets, minimizing the risk of hooks flying back toward the angler.
Best knots for circle hooks
When using a circle hook, it’s essential to tie a knot that is strong and allows the hook to function and move for the best hook set. The best knot for a circle hook is often a non-slip loop knot or a snell knot. Here’s a brief explanation of both:
- Non-Slip Loop Knot: The non-slip loop knot, also known as the “Kreh Loop Knot,” is a popular choice for connecting a circle hook to the fishing line. This knot allows the hook to move freely, enhancing its self-setting ability. Here’s how to tie the non-slip loop knot:
- Double over the line to form a loop and pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook.
- Bring the tag end behind the standing line and pass it through the loop.
- Wrap the tag end around the standing line and through the loop four or five times.
- Moisten the knot, hold the standing line, and pull the tag end to tighten the knot.
- Finally, trim any excess tag end.
- Snell Knot: The snell knot is another reliable option for attaching a circle hook. This knot allows the line to align with the shank of the hook, optimizing its hook-setting potential. Here’s how to tie the snell knot:
- Insert the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook, facing the point of the hook.
- Form a loop with the tag end and wrap it around the shank and the line for several turns.
- Slowly pull the tag end to tighten the wraps around the shank, ensuring they are snug.
- Moisten the knot and pull the standing line to bring the knot against the hook eye.
- Trim any excess tag end.
Both the non-slip loop knot and the snell knot are effective in maintaining the proper orientation of the circle hook, allowing it to function as intended. Whichever knot you choose, make sure to practice tying it correctly and test its strength before going fishing to ensure a secure connection between the hook and the fishing line.
How to bait a circle hook for catfish
Proper bait presentation plays a significant role in catfish fishing. When using circle hooks, it’s common to use natural baits such as worms, cut bait, or live bait like minnows. Make sure the bait is securely threaded onto the hook, allowing the circle hook’s point to be exposed. This will increase the chances of a solid hook-up when the fish takes the bait. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hook bait with a circle hook:
- Select your bait: Choose a suitable bait for catfish, such as live bait (minnows, shad) or cut bait (pieces of fish or other natural bait). The size and type of bait will depend on the catfish species you’re targeting and the fishing conditions.
- Insert the hook: Hold the circle hook with the point facing upward and the barb exposed. Insert the hook into the bait in a way that allows the hook point to be exposed. The specific method of inserting the hook will depend on the type of bait you’re using:
- Live bait: Insert the hook through the baitfish’s lip, just below the nostrils or through the back, behind the dorsal fin. Make sure the hook point is exposed, allowing it to catch in the catfish’s mouth when it takes the bait.
- Cut bait: Pierce the hook through the skin or flesh of the bait, ensuring that the hook point is exposed. You can thread the hook through the bait once or multiple times to secure it.
- Minimize obstruction: Ensure that the hook point is not covered or hidden by the bait. The circle hook’s design relies on the exposed point to increase the chances of hooking the catfish in the corner of its mouth.
- Check the bait’s positioning: After hooking the bait, check that it is securely attached and won’t easily come off during casting or when in the water. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bait stays in place.
- Maintain bait’s natural appearance: Try to maintain the natural appearance and movement of the bait as much as possible. Avoid excessively compressing or tightly securing the bait to allow it to move naturally and attract catfish.
Remember, circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, so it’s important to avoid deep hooksets or forcefully setting the hook. Allow the catfish to swim away with the bait, and the circle hook will typically set itself. This self-setting mechanism is one of the key benefits of using circle hooks, as it reduces the chances of gut-hooking the fish and increases the likelihood of a successful hook-up in the mouth.
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