Just started using circle hooks when trolling for dolphin this year. Caught a few on circle hooks last weekend, but missed more than we caught and switched back to J hooks. I’ve been out with charter boats using circle hooks, so I know the hook-up and catch ratio is usually better but I must be doing something wrong. We set our drags light and let the fish run and slowly tightened drag and raised rod. Lots of short bits right at the head. Tolled about 6-7. Any tips would help. What size circle hook, speed… Used a weighted wax line rig on the hoo.
Have to drop it back and let them eat it.
No one can tell you how to fish circle hooks over what you’re already doing. Just need to master the drop back and not rely on the reels drag to do all the work. sometimes you’ll have to thumb spool dolphin a couple times after they initially strike. J hooks catch far more fish than circle hooks, even on boats who fish circles well. The only reason we fish them is due to tournament rules, if the fish are super picky like late Summer, or as a quick pitch bait. Usually have one running on the flat(s) but they don’t pull as well as a weighted j hook in that position in my opinion, have to go with a smaller hook most times.
“There’s a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning” -J. Buffett
While trolling, leave the reels barely in gear (just enough so the line does not pay out). When the fish eats, give him free spool for a slow 6 to 8 count. Put the reel just back into gear (this is important so the circle can slide into the mouth hinge - too fast and it will pull out of his mouth), lay the rod to the side (opposite to the direction the fish is heading) and start reeling. Once he is pulling line and the rod is loaded, then you can push the drag up a little further. If he is not there, get the reel back into free spool and hold the rod up, ready for the second bite (dolphin will usually come back if there is any bait left). If you are getting Sancochos, you are most likely not letting the fish eat long enough.
7/0 or 8/0 circle are perfect for dolphin, but we have hooked them on 10/0 marlin pitch baits too. Once they swallow the hook, they are screwed.
Boat speed is dependent on too many variables (wind, current, boat wake, sea conditions) to say “6.5kts is the best speed”, If the baits are skipping, slow down. Everything should be swimming.
My $.02…
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations,neither are you here to live up to mine” Peter Tosh - I Am That I Am
Why would you want to use circle hooks while meat fishing for dolphin, etc???
I have become very fond of circle hook fishing. I honestly prefer fishing circle hooks on my flat lines and out riggers over J hooks. My opinion on this is that I believe I have much higher chances of catching billfish, reducing short strikes and can produce more doubles and triples. But my favorite reason is prep work is very fast. I can have 24 ballyhoo rigged for circle hooks in 30 minutes which is much faster than J hooks. I still pull J rigs on planners and way back rods though. When fishing with circle hooks it is extremely important that you don’t put baits way out, you need to be able to easily and clearly see the baits and continuously pay very close attention to them. I keep my baits on circle hooks within 20 yards of the boat. Like lowcountryboy said slow down not only do you have to make sure baits are swimming but make sure they are not all in white wash either. On my boat I troll 4.1 - 4.4 Knotts.