Circle hooks...Non offset

[young gull]

Hey guys,
 When I was at the saltwater expo I asked most of the dealers for non offset circle hooks......Guess what almost none to be found!
 Someone brought this to my attenion a while back.
 Now I am not sure on this but hope one of the Captains will shed some light on this.

 A offset circle hook will cause as much damage if not more to a deep hooked fish as a "J" hook would (should matter to all who: catch and release)
The In-Line/Non-offset Octopus Circle Hook snelled to a leader will reduce the chance of deep hooking.......Any thoughts or experiences?
 
                      Thank You,
                               Ed     

[Reel Time]

 i have been using the Gamakatsu octopus circle hooks for a good couple years now and swear by them. took a little getting used to not needing to set the hook.

 they are the offset ones, and do not count as a true circle hook where it might matter, such as needed in de i belive.

 i also cannot recall ever having one of the the octopus hooks gut hook a fish either, which is nice cause i will catch and release most of my catch.

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Young Gull,

I used the same hooks as Reel Time for a long time prior to inline circles being offered by Gamakatsu (or at least stores carrying them). I did not have problems with them either.

What you are saying is suppose to be true - on the water I didn't gut hook fish with the offset circle. My choice is inline circle if I can get them. I often can find them at Fisherman's Supply (Pt. Pleasant Beach); Reel Life (Pt. Pleasant Boro); or Brielle Bait and Tackle. I bet Murphy's Hook House or Grumpy's will have them as well.

I have switched to Owner hooks - Gamakatsu is my second choice.

Thanks,

Capt. Ed

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Young Gull,

Excellent link ... that just about says it all.

Good reading guys,

Capt. Ed

[shadyvito]

Thanks for a great thread.  I catch and release and picked up some circle hooks so it's good to know that they work.  I even tied some flies using them.