Circle vs j hooks

[REELDOC]

First off I am very old school when it comes to fishing. This morning I was fishing for reds with a guy that was using circles. We didnt catch squat on the low tide but he convinced me to try circles. We're using both live and deceased finger mullet.

Bought some 5/0 Owner Mutus and I'm going to try them just for shits and giggles. Anyone have any pearls of wisdom? Having a hard time switching.

 

[skiles]

I've only ever used circles on offshore charters. I always use J's when surf fishing. No idea if it makes any difference.

 

[Infamous1]

Don't set the hook traditionally. Just reel down and sweep to the side. I love circles and that is all i have used for years.

 

[Jim1392]

When I fished on party boats up north that all I used for years. You just have to get used to not setting the hook as you are used to. You just let the fish take the bait and the set the drag. I found you also get a lot less gut hooking with them in case you intend to release the fish.

 

[GymB]

I use them for Pomps and Reds in the surf.

 

[REELDOC]

Fishing in front of Ocean Lakes here in a little while. Finally get to fish a high tide without hooking somebody....I hope.

 

[REELDOC]

Ok, I'm a believer. Finally picked up a 26" red and a bunch of blues. Kills me not to do a regular hook set.
Can't figure out how to post pic from phone.

 

[fishgutzy]

My personal favorite is the Gimikatsu Circle Octopus. Super sharp. Hooks in the corner of the mouth and holds on.

 

[Infamous1]

Ok, I'm a believer. Finally picked up a 26" red and a bunch of blues. Kills me not to do a regular hook set.
Can't figure out how to post pic from phone.

Lol it is the hardest thing in the world to not "snatch his lips off" lol

 

[turkeydance]

"Kills me not to do a regular hook set."
just like first dialing a "1" before a long-distance call.
things change and sometimes actually get better.

 

[MostWanted]

"Kills me not to do a regular hook set."
just like first dialing a "1" before a long-distance call.
things change and sometimes actually get better.

What's "long distance"?

Just kidding, I remember having to wait until all day Saturday or Sunday before 5pm to call my parents. And a call to a town 20 miles away cost money for every minute you talked.

 

[JRHorne]

I've heard in the surf for Reds you do only circles. I'll be trying this coming weekend at Oak Island.

Inshore I'm going to run some owner beast twistlocks on jerkshads and then jig heads on my popping cork with Gulp Shrimp and Gulp Mullet.

 

[bondjamesbond]

Try circle hooks and you will never go back to other types.
Easy to set hook, just start reeling.
Plus, fish are usually hooked in the side of the mouth with circle hook so hook is easy to remove and it doesn't end up in the fish's throat or belly which will usually kill any fish you release.
Fish on!