Discussion: Circle VS J-Hook – Light Tackle Fishing
Now this is a discussion I have had many times:
“Which works the best when drifting for grunter..? The age old J-Hook or the modern “awesome” circle..?”
Ok lets take a look at them both with their unique Pro’s and Con’s.
J-Hook
Reliable, Tested and Easy to use.. well not always. The j-Hook by design is easy to hook up if the fish swallows it, but what if you are a little fast on the draw..? You always stand the chance of pulling the hook out of the fishes mouth. J-Hooks are brilliant, that I will not deny, but can the modern circle hook beat it..?
Lets take a look, and please note that this is all based on my personal success and experience (Which does not mean much in most countries and to the 4 fish I have caught in my life). Circle where designed for the deep sea long lining fishing industry, whereby they could cast out long km of lines with baited hooks and leave it for the fish to “catch itself”. Circle hooks hit in the corner of the mouth every time when use correctly. It does not harm the fish or tear its insides when swallowed. Using a circle hook you need to have patients, it does take a bit of self control in the beginning, but after the first couple of fish you will see yourself as a pro.
Sunfish Circle Hook
We will upload a complete video on fishing circle hooks next week, but here is a step by step on hooking a fish on circle (Please excused as this is my personal dummy version)
When a fish is detected on the line, you have to give his some slack so that he may swallow the bait. You will feel your line tightening up, at this point all you do is lift your rod tip and start winding slowly until you can feel that the fish is hooked. REMEMBER DO NOT STRIKE.. NEVER as you will pull the hook out of the fishes mouth. Once you are secure and confident that the fish is hooked, only then can you give it one or two small strike motions (99% of the time it is not even needed).
For more info visit: www.lighttackle.co.za