I have always used #8 cricket hooks harder to swallow just recently tried #8 octopus circle hooks they hook them selves usually and don't swallow the hook.I even catch smaller bream for bass fishing that way.
That is a big damn Shellcracker. I have caught some in the 1lb territory and that was a battle. I can't imagine one like that on the hook.
I have always used #8 cricket hooks harder to swallow just recently tried #8 octopus circle hooks they hook them selves usually and don't swallow the hook.I even catch smaller bream for bass fishing that way.
That's a nice one & a very nice looking mounting job Doug done too.