Circle Hook Sets

[Brack]

Just bought some circle hooks and made some lindy rigs. Is it necessary to set the hook, or do you just wind the fish in?

[Trophy19]

Two options for you:

1) Dead Stick Rod. Put rod in holder and let fish hook itself w/circle hook.

2) With rod in hand, make a slow sweeping motion to set the hook.

[Lund_Dude]

Love the circle hooks! The fish hook themselves, no need to set. As a matter of fact, the Eagle Claw package reccomends no setting. I had almost given up on dead-sticking since I retrieved too many gut hooked fish that I would like to release. With the circle hooks, they are always hooked in the corner of the mouth and no gut hooks.

Has anyone used these on crawler harnesses? IF so, what size?

If I may offer a suggestion: My buddy started using 10.5' ultralight crappie rods with a circle hook and a single splitshot for dead sticking. The rod loads up and the fish is hooked before they know it. Those rods are cheap at Gander Mountain (Guide Series, see other post) and even on sale this week. We were on a tough bite on Winnebago yesterday, and this method put fish in the boat while others struggled. I am running out for mine tonight!

Good Luck!

[MR.Pike]

Total agreement, The hooks work great. I don't set the hook at all either. just lift the bent rod from the holder and reel em in. <;{{{{{<<( Mr.Pike

[Brack]

Thanks for the info on using circle hooks. What a great site this is to get your questions answered!

[George Eh]

Been reading about circle hooks all winter, nobody has them in their tackle shops yet in Sudbury, Ont. Anxious to try, where can I buy them online or by mail. Thanks waiting for season opener in Rainbow Country!!

[Don]

Cabela's has them.

[Lund_Dude]

Bass Pro has the Eagle Claw Nickel Teflon. Last I checked they were back ordered for an "indeterminate" period. I bought them at Lunkers in MI, but I don't know if they have a site. Good Luck!