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(I haven't used circles on pike... )What's got you thinking about using circle hooks for pike Ted? The only time I have bad hook-ups on pike is when casting spoons that are too small (they love the #2 Mepps Syclops, but can swallow it whole...).One thing I've taken to doing is cutting one hook off my treble, making them a double. That way as long as I can get my pliers on the hook, all I have to do is turn my wrist the right direction to un-hook. Just curious!
Thinking about using them to prevent swallowing dead or cut bait. We release most pike over 30 inches, and thinking the circles might mean they are hooked in the corner of the mouth, rather than swallowed.Ted
If you are going to use circle hooks to help prevent gut hooking make sure that you use inline circle hooks, not offset or kirbed hooks, those types wont prevent guthooking
. Because trebles are a pain in the @$$
I have actually used circles for pike but abandoned them. The premise is great and sometimes I'd get pike to the hole that were hooked neatly in the corner of the mouth (as advertised). More often, unfortunately, I'd be cut off (experimenting with plastic leader) or uncharacteristically deeply hooked.My take is this: I believe that all the "other teeth", think tongues and mouth roofs misdirect the angle of the line and all too often that hook winds up where you have not planned it to be. You get cut off or deeply hooked fish and wonder what the hedoublehockeysticks happened.If you must, there is good advice here. Make sure the hook is not kirbed or offset, A straight circle works best. Gap size is usually much bigger than you would "normally" consider, think at least 5/0 or 6/0. Look at the distance between the point and the shank. If there is enough room for a good pike to get hooked up you're OK.Personally, I have returned to smaller, extra strong trebles and am very comfortable with snaking out any deeply hooked tackle. It's really easier on the fish and easier for me.2 cents..... pay the Man Shirley!