Circle hooks and Catfishing question

[Wichita]

I am new to the whole circle hook thing. Can someone suggest a size hook to start out with for most common lake catfishing?

[RACN35]

Just my opinion but I use 8/0 for all catfishing. 2 pound channells I am going to eat up to 43 (so far) that I am gonna release. Never ever have I removed a circle any where but the corner of the mouth.

I know you all dont really want to see these videos again....but just watch where/when I remove the hook from......same goes for little fish too.


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ent=Jamie1.flv


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ent=Jamie2.flv


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...Jamie43Web.flv

[Daydreamer]

Thats some nice fish!!!

[Imexpat2]

Im using the 3/0 size and baiting them with 5-8 inch live shad. In fact took a 12 pound Channel Cat tonight, drifting in my kayak while casting a crankbait under the marina flood lights for Sandies

[Gibbzilla]

The secret to circle hooks is to not set the the hook in the manner you do a J-hook or Kahle hook. Gamakatsu Octopus Circles are deadly on a baitcaster. Don't reel until the catfish loads the rod, at that point it's "fish on." I could help you more if you stated what size and type of catfish you would be targeting. For the smaller eatin-size channels I use about a 4/0, but when I'm targeting trophy flatheads I can go up to a 8/0. Just reel when you hear that baitclicker get ta singin!

By the way, circle hooks are where it's at for C&R catfishing. I've never had a hook-up anywhere but the corner of the mouth.(This doesn't include the hook-up with the webbing of my fingers...YOW!)

[Gibbzilla]

Just my opinion but I use 8/0 for all catfishing. 2 pound channells I am going to eat up to 43 (so far) that I am gonna release. Never ever have I removed a circle any where but the corner of the mouth.

I know you all dont really want to see these videos again....but just watch where/when I remove the hook from......same goes for little fish too.


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ent=Jamie1.flv


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ent=Jamie2.flv


http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...Jamie43Web.flv

In that 3rd video you got to gloat a little bit. :D

[DemolitionMan]

I use 2/0 hooks for catfish....Choose your hooks according to the fish you want...Channel cats are best to eat at around 2lb...The bigger you want the fish, the bigger hook and bait you want....Hope this helps..Here's a link that will tell you the science behind circle hook.....

http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine...VVCircleHooks/

Here's the link with a list of In-Fisherman articles....Scroll down to the catagory about tackle and you'll find another article about hooks....

http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine...rticle_list/#3

You'll do good to keep these articles in your favorites...Also, subscribe to In-Fisherman, you'll love it....DemoMan

[Rookie12]

I mainly target big cats and don't really like circle hooks. i sometimes use them on slip floats, but never on a bottom rod. Big fish hit too lite too often and you can't hook them with a circle hook. I prefer a 5/0-8/0 Gamaktsu octopus hook, not an octopus circle hook. They are super strong and have a relatively light wire which helps penetration. I use cricles exclusively for live bait striper fishing though. I've hardly ever seen a striper hit a bait soft. Whn they pull th rod down, they're hooked. I like to feel the weight of the cat just for a second and then cross his eyes. I've lost some monsters to circle hooks. just my style!

[miichael]

Agree with Rookie. Cirlce hooks are great for small fish but if im after 20-50lb Flatheads i want a 8/0 - 10/0 King Khale hook so when hes got the bait in his mouth i can set the hook myself.

If you have a problem with them swallowing the hook, chances are your hook is too small.

[slabmaster09]

3/0 hook for the slime balls lol.