Sorry for the formatting.
Steve
Taken from
www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/circle_hooks_www_v2_111506.pdf
"Two recent DMF research projects
focused on the use of circle hooks when
using bait for striped bass and tunas. In
those experiments circle hooks showed
a reduction in the rate of potential lethal
wounding, and subsequent mortality.
Estimates of lethal wounding were
approximately 1.6 % for circle hooks and
27.5 % for j-hooks. Obviously, a consider-
able difference with circle hooks. Other
researchers have had similar results.
Researchers have also estimated the
effectiveness of circle hooks to hook fish
that took natural baits. Results indicate
that circle hooks catch slightly more fish
than j-hooks. Even untended rods caught
fish.
Because of the clear advantages of the
use of circle hooks we strongly enourage
their use by anglers. We also recommend
that anglers learn more about how these
hooks can benefit all fisheries resources.
Questions and Answers
about Circle Hooks
Q. What makes circle hooks
different from J-hooks?
A. On a true circle hook the point is
turned inward to a much greater degree
than j-hooks (see figure). Because of this
feature they must catch on an exposed
“edge” to hook the fish. The vast majority
of fish caught with circle hooks are caught
on a jaw corner. J-hook points are more
exposed and are able to lodge in a greater
variety of sites, like the stomach, gills or
esophagus.
Q. Are circle hooks more difficult
to use?
A. While it is not as easy to get the bait
onto a circle hook, by slowly rotating the
hook point into the bait you should have
fewer problems. When removing the hook
from a fish the reverse action is needed.
The hook needs to be rotated to back it out
of the fish. Since most of the fish are jaw
hooked the overall time spent removing
hooks each day should be about the same
or less than if you used j-hooks. Also, you
should lose fewer hooks to swallowing
of the bait or cutoffs from the occasional
bluefish.
Q. Do I need to modify my angling
technique to make circle hooks work
effectively?
A. Since circle hooks are designed to
penetrate the fishes jaw as the fish turns
away from the angler, we found that it is
best to let the fish run with the bait and
then stop the line to set the hook. If you
want to use the rod to set the hook at this
point you can do so, but it is not neces-
sary. An untended rod hooked fish as
effectively as our skilled anglers.