Circle Hooks: Essential Catch-and-Release Fishing Accessories

With origins in commercial longline tuna and halibut fishing, circle hooks have transitioned into essential catch-and-release fishing tackle. The distinct, rounded shape, with the point curved back towards the shank, enables the hooks to self-set in the corner of the fish’s mouth, preventing deep hooking and ensuring improved survival rates in released fish. With higher catch rates, versatility in using both live and dead bait, simplified and safer use for novices, and the growing trend towards conservation, circle hooks have become a staple in recreational fishing. 

How They Work 

The shape is the defining feature of durable and easy-to-use circle hooks. The inward-curving design naturally rolls to hook fish in the mouth corner, not the gut or internal organs, ensuring higher release rates. When a fish takes the bait, the hook point remains shielded by the bait, preventing premature hooking. 

As the fish swims off, the tension on the fishing line rotates and slides the hook onto the bony tissue of the fish’s jaw, ensuring a secure, but non-damaging hold. The design also ensures higher catch rates in bait nibblers such as Striped Bass, Trout and Salmon, as well as larger saltwater billfish, including Marlin and Sailfish. 

Common Circle Hook Varieties   

Like the wide variety of hook types and variations, these hooks differ by shank length, wire gauge and point type. These design factors are crucial when catching targeted fish species, getting the desired bait presentation, and meeting regulatory requirements for protected species.

Short vs. Long Shanks

Shorter circle hook shanks ensure cleaner presentation with smaller bait such as live shrimp or squid. Longer shanks accommodate larger baits (crab, mullet, etc.) and are naturally aimed at larger saltwater fish, such as tuna and snapper. 

Thick vs. Thin Wire Gauge

Wire gauges determine overall hook strength. Heavy-gauge and thicker hooks resist bending from larger, more powerful fish. Pair these with matching fishing lines and more robust gear. Alternatively, go with thinner hooks for smaller species. 

Non-offset vs. Offset 

A key distinction is between non-offset (or in-line) and offset hooks, specifically for catch-and-release fishing, due to differing point types. A non-offset circle hook has the eye, shank and point set in a single line, ensuring the hook catches the fish’s lip while limiting injury. These are required or mandatory in many Atlantic coast states for Striped Bass with live bait, when fishing for designated reef species in Florida, and in billfish tournaments. 

Points that angle away from the shank in what are offset hooks, target species that live and feed on the seabed (cod, snapper, catfish, grouper). They’re also chosen for higher hookup rates, but can cause gut-hooking and increase harm. 

Barbed vs. Barbless

Barbs, the small backward-facing projections in hooks, are another key design feature. Barbless hooks are easier and faster to remove, significantly reducing injury and mortality in catch-and-release situations. They’re also safer for anglers as they won’t get stuck in nets or clothing, saving time and frustration in removal. 

Barbed circle hooks ensure smaller bait stays on the hook. They additionally result in a higher success rate and fewer lost fish (making beginners happy), but can be tougher to remove. 

Key Benefits

Compared to J-hooks or treble hooks, a circle hook comes with its own set of advantages, especially if you’re more into catch-and-release fishing. These include: 

• High conservation and reduced injury: By avoiding vital organs and setting securely in the mouth corner, circle hooks lower the mortality rate of released fish by up to 50 per cent compared to J-hooks. 
• Easier unhooking: Because they hook in the jaw, they’re easier and quicker to remove. Barbless varieties are safer in this context, both for the fish and angler. 
• High hook-up success: Using circle hooks does require some practice, especially resisting the urge to set the hook by a quick upward pull of the rod. Nevertheless, the hooks often lead to higher hook-up rates, particularly in species that resist conventional hooks. 
• Improved bait retention: The distinct shape securely holds live bait, such as squid and herring, preventing bait theft from nibbling fish. Moreover, the hooks ensure improved bait retention at lower depths. 
• Versatility with different species: Choose a circle hook to effectively catch a wide range of both saltwater and freshwater fish species. The hooks are common for large openwater game fish such as tuna and marlin, and freshwater favourites, including bass, catfish and trout. 
• Ideal for new anglers: With less reliance on precise-hooking techniques, the hooks ensure higher catch rates among new anglers. Barbless varieties are also safer, with quick removal. 
• Compliance with regional regulations: Many areas now require the use of circle hooks for certain types of fish species. Using them ensures you’re complying with local fishing regulations and that you’re concerned about promoting sustainable fishing practices.