Circle Hooks for Perch Rigs?

[SomeYahoo]

After gut-hooking (and likely killing) many fish while shore fishing with perch rigs, I was thinking of giving some circle hooks a try. My (limited) experience with them is that they don't gut hook nearly as often, you don't really need to set the hook (good when attention is elsewhere), and when they stick, they stick. Seems the shape would be good for holding Minnows on too... just have to figure out the right size.

What do y'all think?

[MSTRB8R]

Try a larger abradeen-style hook (size 2 works well for me). Between the longer shank and larger bend it seems to help. Oh ya, don't let them suck on that minnow for so long either. ;)

[KI Jim]

I tried 'em and they didn't work too well. I missed a lot of fish.

Jim

[Final Cast]

After gut-hooking (and likely killing) many fish while shore fishing with perch rigs, I was thinking of giving some circle hooks a try. My (limited) experience with them is that they don't gut hook nearly as often, you don't really need to set the hook (good when attention is elsewhere), and when they stick, they stick. Seems the shape would be good for holding Minnows on too... just have to figure out the right size.

What do y'all think?

I was thinking about that myself earlier this year. I think it would work good.

[SomeYahoo]

Try a larger abradeen-style hook (size 2 works well for me). Between the longer shank and larger bend it seems to help. Oh ya, don't let them suck on that minnow for so long either. ;)

Yeah, a bit better attention and reaction time may help, but the ones I'm really worried about are the baby bass. Those buggers INHALE the hook, and even with the #2 Aberdeen and a quick hand they seem to get gullet hooked. Don't like killing the bass :(

KI Jim - were you setting the hook or just reeling in? My experience with them (wacky rigging for bass) told me to just give a small tug and start reeling. Hooks 'em every time. Heard that the hook set can actually pull it outta their mouth before that point has time to stick in the jaw.

[Gone Fishing]

I never tried them for Perch but they say not to set the hook at all. Just reel till you feel. I use size 4 hooks and rarely have them gut hooked although it does happen. I can usually get those larger hooks out without killing them or at least I can say they swim away. I also like a very sensitive rod when fishing Perch. I like to feel them breathing on the bait! :p

[D and L]

I switched over to using a drop shot rig with an octopus hook (circle type hook ) for perch fishing this season and I love it !!! Used to use snelled aberdeen hooks.....
Have never had a perch swallow the hook with this rig, and they are almost always hooked in the upper part of the mouth. A circle hook should work too. You want something with a wide gap, but a short shank. The hook NEEDS to be tied on your line so it stands out from your line with the hook facing up. Tie the hook on with a palomar knot, passed through the inside facing eye, leave the tag end long. Then bring the tag end up and pass it through the inside facing eye. This will help hold the hook out. Finish the rig with a very light swivel sinker, tied onto the tag end.
Hope this helps.
Laura

Here is a link for the type of hook I am using.....I use a Gomakatsu though..... NOT circle hooks though...the gap is not right.....
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_38283_100010002_100000000_100010000_100-10-2

[fishinmachine2]

Try a #4 or #6 red tru-turn off set hook!! Thats all i use for perch. That is true about a circle hook. "DONT SET THE HOOK"

Scott

[huntingmaniac45]

Try them and let us know!;)

[fish eater]

I tried them (circles) for Perch years ago. I didn't like them at all. The Perch seemed to rob the bait alot and you miss a ton of fish. I scrapped them quickly and went back to my tried and true methods.:)

[huntingmaniac45]

I tried them (circles) for Perch years ago. I didn't like them at all. The Perch seemed to rob the bait alot and you miss a ton of fish. I scrapped them quickly and went back to my tried and true methods.:)
Thats all I needed to hear.;)

[Bassmad2]

My experience with the circle hooks has only been with bass, and they work great. Using them for drop shotting, they hook the mouth everytime and there is no hook setting on them. Just apply the pressure and reel them in, seems like they can't get off.

[SomeYahoo]

Hopefully I'll be doing a scientific experiment this weekend... if I can get out.

I'll let y'all know how I do!

[ICEGUY]

I only use circle hooks when catfishing. Don''t let them bite at it too long and I use a bigger hook with a long shank, don't have too many swallow it,, now a sheephead seems to swallow anything I use. seeya