Circle hooks vs standard hooks ?

[Eyecon]

I have been hearing alot about circle hooks lately when deadsticking. Is there really an advantage with this style of hook.I typically use a #4 Gamakatsu Octopus style hook when bouncing crawlers,medium size minnows or leechs.I have had great success useing this combination,I watch the rod, wait for it to bend,remove it from the holder and reel it in! My hook up percentage has been pretty high, but if theres a better way, I would like to give it a try. One of my concerns with the circle hook is that you should increase the hook up a couple of sizes so it can clear the corner of the fishs mouth.Being mainly more of a finesse style of fisherman I can't convince myself that bigger is better.Won't this big hook have a negitive affect on the presentation,especially with crawlers? What has been your experience with the circle hook,what sizes would you recommend and what brand seems to work best? The Gamakatsu Octopus hooks have a fairly wide gap,will a "circle hook" make a difference. Look forward to hearing your comments,THANKS

[GORD]

Last summer I experimented with what you are talking about. I used Eagle Claw featherlite finesse nickel teflon hooks for both rigging and bottom bouncing. They are circle hooks and they set themselves. I'll be using them again this year. They worked great for me. You'll enjoy experimenting with them as much as i did.

[Bob Z]

I used circle hooks last year on perch. I bought the same number size I usually do. I usually use #6 or #8 depending on minnow size. Since then I have found out that the same hook will be a slightly different size between manufacturers even with the same number.

Circle hooks worked very well for me on perch. Most of the fish were hooked in the corner of the mouth. I would think there will be a much higher survival rate for the smaller released fish.

I also took some circle hooks to the Sea of Cortez. They worked very well on tuna with live bait. All were hooked in the corner of the mouth.

Wether it is perch or tuna - let the fish set the hook.