Which Hooks?

For the past couple years I've been using Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks, I was liking them pretty well but recently I've lost a couple fish and it has me wondering about them

What hooks do you guys use for striper?

The problem with the circle hooks you cannot set the hook with them. They are designed for the fish to hook themselves when they pull away. The hook usually will hook them right in the side of the mouth when they apply pressure. By jerking it will usually pull it right out of their mouth. Try just a wide gap hook and you should have a better hook ratio. If you are keeping them, use a smaller stout hook and they will swallow it all and you will catch more. Hope this helps!

I don't Striper fish much but when I troll Shiners, I use Gamakatsu treble hooks. I don't know the exact size but one shank thru the shiner leaves 2 shanks for the Striper. Used them for the past 4 years and have no problem.

Try downsizing a couple of sizes when that happens, I have the same problem with catfish and it is usually smaller fish biting. The smaller hook improve my catch ratio on the smaller fish. Good luck.

Joe

I also use Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks. I was using 4/0 but then fished with a guide who told me to downsize. He was using 1/0 circle hooks. I felt those were too small so I downsized to 2/0. Not only have no fish gotten away but I've been catching more fish too.

I know about not setting the hook with circles. The size thing is interesting, I usually use 3/0 and I was afraid they may be to small. I know a stripers lip is pretty tuff.

I've read some books that talk about using trebles but I've never tried them.