Question: Circle Hook Size

[mkg1856]

I wanted to rig a naked horse ballyhoo behind a large circle hook for blue marlin Guatemala style- just like we do for whitey. What circle hook size would you recommend? I ordered a couple of Quick Rig 22/0 circles and they look enormous. They may be better served for bridling up a live tuna or mahi. Any guidance you guys can offer would be great!

Mike

[SeaMent]

I wanted to rig a naked horse ballyhoo behind a large circle hook for blue marlin Guatemala style- just like we do for whitey. What circle hook size would you recommend? I ordered a couple of Quick Rig 22/0 circles and they look enormous. They may be better served for bridling up a live tuna or mahi. Any guidance you guys can offer would be great!

Mike

Mike, we rig em on a 12/0 circle, the same way we rig a dink with a 7/0 circle. we ain't pros but it works really well for us !!

[mkg1856]

Mike, we rig em on a 12/0 circle, the same way we rig a dink with a 7/0 circle. we ain't pros but it works really well for us !!

Thanks for the reply- you haven't had any problems with straitening the hook on a big fish?

[SeaMent]

Thanks for the reply- you haven't had any problems with straitening the hook on a big fish?

Mike, we catch one in the 250 to 300 range but have not been lucky enough to put it to the test on a big girl yet Sorry that's bout all the help I can give ya at this point. I'm sure some of these boys on here can get ya dialed in on the results of catchin the Big Girls on this rig !! Good Luck !!

[sanchoco]

I have seen a few 10/0 circles straighten on 50lb tackle but the 11/0 and 12/0 I have not heard of any problems. If you are worried about that look at the Gamakatsu 12/0 big eye circles. I don't think they would have any problems on any size fish.

[SeaMent]

I have seen a few 10/0 circles straighten on 50lb tackle but the 11/0 and 12/0 I have not heard of any problems. If you are worried about that look at the Gamakatsu 12/0 big eye circles. I don't think they would have any problems on any size fish.

Sanchoco, we are using the Gamakatsu 12/0 on the naked horses, we just can't seem to find the "Big Girl" when we got em out there !!

[mkg1856]

Great info guys. Thanks again.

[IglooMan]

Will probably end up being in the 10/0-16/0 size range depending on manufacturer.

Best bet would be to call up Howard at QuickRig and ask what hook/which size guys have been using.

Dont worry about straightening out a QuickRig hook... they are some of the, if not THE strongest and best made hooks around!