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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Circle Hooks
April 13, 2008
If you have never used circle hooks, maybe you should give them a try. Studies show that they invariably improve hook-up ratios. Equally important, is that by using them, the majority of fish are hooked in the corner of the mouth, rather than in the gut. Unhooking is also quick and easy. The quicker a hook can be removed, the less stress is placed on the fish and the greater its survival rate if released.
Circle hooks are as old as mankind. Paintings and artifacts found in caves reveal that pre-historic man used them. Japanese fishermen have used them for years, particularly when long lining for tuna and other large fish. Anglers in this country have questioned the strange shape of the hooks and have been somewhat reluctant to use them.
The point of the hook turns inward toward the shaft to form a circle. This shape requires the slightest amount of pressure to set the hook. Anglers accustomed to hard hook sets, would need to readjust their style. A hard hook set will actually pull the hook from the mouth of the fish. Bass and tarpon fishermen have traditionally used violent hook sets due to the hard mouths of these fish. Circles are now the hooks of choice for tarpon guides, whether deep jigging or using live bait.
Striper fishermen are learning to use the hooks when live baiting. When mouthing live bait, the fish doesn't realize he is being fooled. When the line fetches up, the hook will work its way to the corner of the striper’s mouth.
Most live bait fishermen use rod holders and wait for a strike. The circle hook is perfect for this type of fishing. I have seen multiple hookups when one angler was tending four to six lines and all fish were eventually landed because of the holding characteristics of a circle hook.
Some anglers use circle hooks on down lines. However, the slack in a flat line prevents a good hook set. Most anglers continue to use treble hooks on flat lines. Others see no difference, rig all lines with circle hooks, and catch as many or more stripers than those who do not use them.
Remember, when using circle hooks, “crank, don’t yank”.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
* A #1/0 circle hook works well with most medium size live baits.
* The sizing of circle hooks is not standardized. There is a difference between manufacturers.
* Circle hooks come in a wide range of colors, including silver, black, red and chartreuse.
* Circle hooks are very sharp and do not need to be sharpened before using.
Upcoming Events:
Safe Boating Class - “How to use GPS, Sonar and Radar to Navigate and Fish Lake Norman” – Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Thursday, April 17, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The fee for the three hour class is $25 per person with pre-registration. Call 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org for additional information.
The Lake Norman Striper Swipers’ Spring Classic is planned for April 19, 20, 2008. This two-day event begins at 6:00 a.m. Saturday and continues until the weigh-in at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. The Captain’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008 and the Sunday weigh-in will be held at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. For more information, visit the LNSS web site at www.lnssfishn.com.
“Introduction to Bass Fishing” - This free seminar will be at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC beginning at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday April 23, 2008. Call 704 658 0822 for additional information.
The Hot Spots of the Week:
Bass and stripers are chasing bait pods to the surface in the backs of coves and creek runs, particularly at dawn and dusk. Fishing is also good to very good in the hot hole at the McGuire Nuclear Station.
The water level is currently 1.6' below full pond and dingy in spots. The surface water temperature is in the upper fifties and low sixties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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