Circle hooks are designed and manufactured so that the point of the hook is turned perpendicularly back toward the shank of the hook to form a circular or oval shape. In terms of catch, hooking location, bleeding, and release condition the traditionally shaped circle hook has the best performance compared to J-hooks or other non-traditional circle hooks. The unique curved shape of a circle hook, essentially like that of a capital “G,” helps prevent it from catching in the gut or throat of a fish, where it can cause significant internal injury, and allows it to lodge in the jaw or corner of the mouth of a fish. This hooking location allows for easy removal with a minimum of trauma to the fish and helps fish survive the catch and release experience.

Numerous published studies conclude that using circle hooks instead of “J” shaped hooks can significantly reduce the number of fish killed by anglers practicing catch and release fishing. Most of the studies conclude that using circle hooks can reduce the mortality of released fish by between half and two-thirds.

Are circle hooks as effective in hooking fish as traditional “J”-hooks? One study (Prince et al. 2002) found catches per unit of effort (how many fish were caught for a given number of hooks fished) were approximately equal for Pacific blue marlin and were higher on circle hooks for Pacific sailfish. Other studies have shown an increase in the hooking capacity of circle hooks compared to “J”-hooks.
There are just two basic rules for using circle hooks: 1) don’t cover the point with hard or bony portions of the bait; and, 2) don’t set the hook. Setting the hook by jerking the rod will pull the hook out of the fish’s mouth. The circle hook sets itself when you reel in the line.

Effective January 1, 2007, a new Federal regulation requires anglers fishing from HMS (Highly Migratory Species) permitted vessels (and vessels that should be permitted) to use circle hooks when deploying natural baits or natural bait/artificial lure combinations in billfish tournaments. This regulation allows the use of “J”-hooks with artificial lures in tournaments. There are no recreational circle hook requirements outside of billfish tournaments. Commercial vessels using pelagic longline gear in the Atlantic HMS fisheries have been required to possess and use only circle hooks since August 2004.

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