What a difference a hook can make

[Waterfoul]

Fished a tournament on White Lake Thursday night.  Things started a bit slow... no fish in the boat after the first 45-50 minutes.  Changed locations and just started chucking senkos to get a limit in the boat.  I have been trying out a new whacky senko hook this season... an Owner 2/0 circle wacky hook, and have had decent success with it though I have lost a few fish I didn't think I should have (who loses senko fish???).  Thursday night I lost the first 5 fish I had on while Marc Dehollander is in the back of the boat throwing our old stand by EWG hook and landing every fish.  After a nice ~3 pounder spits the hook at me Marc MAKES me change hooks to an EWG.  What a difference.  I landed every fish that bit after I switched.  Marc and I went on to boat a nice 14.85 lb limit and grab a first place check.

I know you are not supposed to "set" the hook when fishing a circle hook... just apply pressure and reel.  BUNK!!  Wasn't working for me at all.  I think I'll just stick to my tried and true EWG, swing the rod like I'm hitting fast balls at Comerica Park, and call it good.

So the next time you are losing fish you don't think you should be losing... try switching up your hooks.  You never know... it could get you in the money!

(Thanks for making me change hooks Marc!!)

[djkimmel]

It is hard not to set the hook with circle hooks when you're used to setting the hooks. I have tested them off and on, and there are times their hookup ratio is low. They do not work as well on bass that don't move or bass that swim at you. You are way more likely to pull the hook out in those cases.

I have found with a number of whacky style hooks that setting the hook hard loses more fish while setting slow and steady with a very sharp hook works better.

If you're prone to getting excited, then stick to hooks that you can swing away on is my advise. Most finesse and whacky style hooks are not designed to swing away with.

[motocross269]

I fished with a guy last year that used EWG hooks for drop shotting.....I had 2 fish come unbuttoned on Gamakatsu 1/0 dropshot hooks and he was at 100 percent....

I lost a few fish last weekend while Drop shotting in less than 5 feet of water with Gammies...it may be time for me to look at trying something new...

It does help to run the drag very loose.....On both wacky rigs and shallow water dropshotting...

[Waterfoul]

Ask anyone who knows me... drop shotting is NOT an issue for me.     It's my bread and butter.  It's my bag.  I enjoy it juuuuuuust a little bit.   

I think the circle whacky hook has a place... on those days when the fish are not moving at all... when they are just mouthing the bait.  Thursday was not one of those days... most of the fish were running with it in one direction or another.  Switching hooks at Marc's "suggestion" saved our night for sure.

[djkimmel]

Normally, circle hooks work best when a fish is swimming or turning away from you.

[MSURoss]

Waterfoul

I'm also done with circle hooks losing way too many fish. EWG for life.

[djkimmel]

Circle hooks are good for catch and release, and live bait methods. Mixed reviews for other types of fishing and for tournament anglers who are used to swinging for the fence. I keep messing around with them because I like to do that.

[Dan]

Have had the same experience. Only time I see them working a bit better is when I senko fish in an area with a lot of weeds.

[Lightningboy]

The success of any hook is dependent on the way the fish moves that day.

guys are right that some days the fish tun on the bait and move with it; circle hooks are great at hooking those fish since they depend on the hook finding it's way to the corner of the mouth.  Usually works great on smallies since they are very competitive.

But other days the fish just take the bait in their mouths and face you.  Or worse yet, drift with you while you increase tension.  Feels like you hooked a wet dish rag.  Only thing I've found to help is to have an open point hook, (not a circle) reel fast and drill 'em.

Those are also the days to make sure you hit your bait with scent.  Anything that make the fish hold onto the bait a second longer gives you an advantage.  I think this is the one place scents (I think flavors) make a difference.

I try to be aware of how the fish bite each day.  It's my job to adjust.  That's why some days a big worm is the bait, and others it might be a  racing trap.

The first fish tells you a story; the second one tells you if the first was lying.  The third tells you which to believe...

[thedude]

gammie finnesse wide gap. 1/0 or 2/0. nuff said.

[Genie]

Truth!

[Skulley]

I've always tried to stay away from circle hooks except when using live bait for ice fishing. The Gamakatsu wide gap finesse are good. I liken them to Velcro. I also like the Gamakatsu treble hooks for my crank baits. I like using them on lures that have low percentage hook up ratios like rattle traps.



BD.                     

[detroit1]

Cool! One thing i DON'T have to try. (circle hooks) Size 1 ewg, nose and weedless when needed for my d/s...

[Skulley]

Sometimes adding a rattle will help the fish find the bait better and sometimes a rattle isn't needed.


BD.                     

[Firefighter Jeff]

  I've used and been happy with the EWG drop shot hooks, especially with 5 inch finesse worms.  Bob Allen (Tritontr20 I think on here ) told me about the VMC Spinshot Dropshot hooks. I'm really starting to like them.  No line twist. 

[fasttrack]

I'm just glad you listened to me for once (LOL)!

[Firefighter Jeff]

I'm just glad you listened to me for once (LOL)!

   lolololol   Marc  !!!!  You tell him  !!!!