With circle hooks you don’t set the hook. When you get a bite just let the line get tight and start reeling. You set the hook it will pop out of their mouth. Slow steady pressure will pull that hook right into the corner of their mouth.
Iv always had issues here if i use small cut bait i can catch them easily usually when i fish with whole live panifish ect i always set the hook and feel the fish lets it go i was taught to let the fish take the bait for 1-2 minutes till they swallow the whole fish t make sure i dont take it too early but it isnt working for me also could be the fact iv never used circle hooks only j hooks
With circle hooks you don’t set the hook. When you get a bite just let the line get tight and start reeling. You set the hook it will pop out of their mouth. Slow steady pressure will pull that hook right into the corner of their mouth.
Proud Member of Team Geezer
Charlie Weaver USN/ENC 1965-1979
That's why I use circle hooks. Let them take it, reel in the slack, put pressure on and reel the whisker in.
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