circle hook sizes

[Flatdog]

Trying to get my head around circle hook sizes.
I have no problem with J hooks, 20/0 gianormus 10/0 big 1/0 small what are the size equivalents for circles anybody??

[johndtuttle]

pretty much the same deal in terms of total size. You just have to fish a larger circle for the same size fish so that the gape is enough to get set properly around the mouth cartilage in my experience.

For example if you normally fish a bait on a 3-4/0 J you may need a 5-6/0 at least circle to get a proper set as the gape is starting to be the same at that point or so.

[Andaman Andy]

Go to Mustads site you can print out the different hook pages, these are the actual size so you can compare.

[lemaymiami]

Two things I look for in any circle hook.... The first is the gap between the point of the hook and the shank.... It not only has to be a bit larger than the lips of the fish you're targetting but you need to match it to the size of the bait you're using (a mutu light in 1/0 or 2/0 is just right for a shrimp) For ladyfish, live or dead I range from as small as a 5/0 to as large as an 8/0 (Gamakatsu or Owner Octopus circles and only the offset ones for tarpon...).

Your second consideration is the size of rod and line (how much "pull" are you able to exert on that hook). That's where things get interesting and you'll need a very heavy hook (wire size) if you're using 80lb gear - not nearly so heavy if you're using 20lb, etc. Hope this helps... Remember some of the considerations anglers have these days are plain old government stuff (circles mandated for bottom fishing in some areas , "in-line" circle for billfish tournaments). Good luck.

[92 feet down]

We use 7/0-8/0 wide gap circle hooks for mixed-bag fishing the Mid-Atlantic. I've used Mustad, Gamakatsu, Owner, & Eagle Claw. They're all pretty good. I've heard the VMC hooks are good, too, but I've never used them.

[Paul H]

It seems there can be quite a difference in physical size between circle hooks of different manufacturers, and even differnt models of hooks between the same manufacturer. I've seen 12/0-16/0 that are all about the same size from various makers.

I prefer a hook w/ an offset point, and will bend hooks that aren't offset in a vice.