Warren wrote: 'Sarge, can you please elaborate on this statement? Why would
this be? Also, the hook in Rich's photo looks nothing like a circle hook to
me, why do you call it one?"

Warren, I did not see the original post so I went back and retrieved it. I
looked at the hook and it is considered by industry as a standard "J" hook
design. This type of hook is designed to be set by the angler when he
receives a strike. I only mentioned circle hook because it was in the first
post I read. Now to a circle hook by design is made for the fish to hook
its self. It was engineered for that purpose. It works a lot better when
it tied on by snelling the hook. This holds the hook straight in line with
the line. I dish a lot of offshore and when a fish takes off with the bait,
it hooks it self.

Personally the hook looks a little small compared to the fish. A larger
hook would possibly help with better hook set. Too small of a hook hinders
more then it helps. Looking at the picture I am surprise he landed the
fish.

I fish very little freshwater and do use "J" hooks only when I buy unpainted
lead jigs. If I fish live bait I use Eagle Claw Lazer hooks. All my hooks
are tied on using a palmor knot either directly to the braid line or a 15 LB
test mono leader. The only time I use circle hooks when jigging or drop
fishing offshore.

When I do fish freshwater, I use either a offset hook for worm fishing, a
standard worm hook, spinnerbaits or crankbaits.


Sarge