The past few times I’ve went out, I’ve been having issues with reds and trout swallowing the hook. I’m using 2/0 owner circle hooks. Do I need to go up a size?
2017 scout 177 sport winyah edition
That will work fine, I like circle hooks.
I do use larger hooks when at the jetties due to size of fish and sharks but inshore I have seen my nephew use hooks that I would not try and use for freshwater stripers and they work fine
Sea Pro 210cc
Yamaha 200 4 Stroke
Dodge 1500 4x4 HEMI
2008 Corvette 3LT
The size of the hook has less to do with fish swallowing the hook than how long the fish are able to “hang on” to the bait. The longer you let the fish go with the bait, the better the chance they’re going have swallowed it. The size of your hook should be relative to the size of the bait you’re using. Also, like tprice said, some people upsize their hooks when going after larger fish. Subsequently, they’re usually using larger bait when going after larger fish so hook size is still relative to the size of your bait.
God bless the “ignore” function.
I generally use 3/0, but was still gut hooking them occasionally. I shortened my leader to about 6-8 inches when chunking bait on the bottom for Reds. Also if you are using off-set circle hooks, bend them until the point of the hook lines up with the shank. That will also reduce gut hooks. Lastly, if your hooks have barbs, use a pair of pliers to bend the barb down. It can be easier to remove the hook causing less harm to the fish.
Hope that helps.
Jack Taylor
What Jack said ^ - Buy in-line circle hooks, snell knot to the hook with short leader and use a fixed weight. Search Owen Lupton rig for examples and research.
I find that the circle hooks with more a c shaped hooks have a higher gut hook ratio than the rounder circle hooks.
Leader length matters too – shorter ones help prevent gut hooking, and they don’t turn the fish off.
1994 Hewes Redfisher 18, 2004 Yamaha 150 VMAX
Malibu X-Factor Kayak
I always use a 2/0 circle hook with long/short leader from a float depending on depth fishing and have not gut hooked one in years. Now my buddy uses my set up but still tries the B.A S.S. Jimmy Houston hook set gut hooks them all time. I see the float go under and reel nice and steady and they are hooked in the corner of the mouth just like they should. Just my .02.
I actually had the same problem a few years ago until I realized that I was using offset circle hooks. Owner makes both offset and inline so you have to be careful. Look up offset vs inline circle hooks on YouTube and you will understand more.
17’ Mako
Circle hook, J-hook…really doesn’t matter. Short leaders and fixed weight…no gut hooks. I don’t use a leader over 6" no matter the target species, with j-hooks 90% of the time, can’t remember the last time I gut hooked anything. Occastionally I hook a smallish fish in the gill or tounge. Lets say your average fish is 14"-15" long, with a leader length 14"-15" the fish can swallow the hook to its tail, especially on a “sliding” rig.