Quote Originally Posted by Fisherjoe View Post
The offset style is more likely to gut-hook before reaching the corner of the mouth. Just my opinion...
One which is backed up by scientific research:

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/mrri/insh_fish/reddrum/gonefishin.htm

Here's the most important line from that web page: "Non-offset Circle hooks gut hooked the fewest number of fish, and released the largest number of fish alive." After reading this, I plan on using this type of hook whenever possible, unless and until experience proves otherwise.

Learning stuff like this is just another example of why this is the best fishin' forum on the web, bar none! Thanks, Joe!