Circle hooks and Catfishing question

[Wichita]

I'm new to the whole circle hook game, so what size should I start out with for general catfishing?

[know1]

I'm interested in this as well. I started doing more catfishing last year and at some point I switched to circle hooks as well. I didn't have a clue about the size and, unless I still have some in my tackle box, I couldn't tell you today. I did like the circle hooks better than the trebles I was using before, though. The fish seemed more likely to take and keep the bait.

[Fisherjoe]

Like any other fish, hook size will depend on what size fish you are targeting and/or is available. In the Ohio River, I normally use an 8/0 circle octopus style. I use big pieces of cut bait and huge fish are available. For fish under 20#, I would say between 3/0 to 5/0, depending on bait being used ( bigger bait=bigger hook). One note: I prefer the non-offset hook style. This means the hook point is aligned with the hook shank, not twisted to the side. The offset style is more likely to gut-hook before reaching the corner of the mouth. Just my opinion...

Don't forget: Don't set the hook with circles...just reel down and put pressure on the line. The hook design will do the rest.

Joe

[onemorecast56]

i agree with Joe, depends on what bait your useing,,,,but do love them circle hooks

[sb15]

it's good to see a little cat talk, i've seen serveral big cats come out of the ohio river thur a catfish circuit that i follow. biggest 89# , 60+# and even twin
56#, I personally am new to catfishing, but as for a big fresh water fish, i would have to say... blue's , flathead's , sturgeon if they still exist in our waters than stripers. my best 8# channel, have not yet fished the ohio river.

[RoadToad]

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!

[bassin_bug]

I'm new to the whole circle hook game, so what size should I start out with for general catfishing?

I use the "King Kat" circle hooks in size 10/0. They are the TRUE circle and I've never lost a catfish off one. If you would like to see them go to www.cabelas.com and enter ITEM #: IG-116610. I use bream cut in STRIPS (top to bottom of fish, including guts) about 3/4" wide by 2-3" long, hooked in the center on one side, fished from about 10-20 ft. deep. Don't jerk the hook when you get a bite, but let the catfish take it and run; they bite slow and kind of roll it around in their mouth before deciding to bite. Just reel it in steadily and don't let your line get slack. The hooks look "chunky" but don't let that bother you, catfish have a big mouth.

One night last May, I caught a 17-lb., a 34-lb., and a 20-lb. all within about thirty minutes using the above method. Remember this: The big boys hang out together and if you can get on them you can have a lot of fun.

I find that catfish bite best after midnight up until daylight. Have yourself a catching good time!

[know1]

I was mostly catching smaller channel cats from 12" to 20". I don't understand hook sizes very well. What would be a good size to choose for smaller cats?

[Viking]

If you're going to fish the Ohio River for cats go to "hookedoncatfish.com".

[Wichita]

Ok I would like to know the difference between offset and non-offset. Are you talking about the very tip of the barb being curved back inward towards the shaft? Some examples would be great.....

[RoadToad]

Ok I would like to know the difference between offset and non-offset. Are you talking about the very tip of the barb being curved back inward towards the shaft? Some examples would be great.....

Like Joe said, "This means the hook point is aligned with the hook shank, not twisted to the side." In other words, the curve of the hook is all in the same plane. Lie the hook on its side, and it will lay flat. On an offset hook, the hook not only curves around, but bends off slightly to one side. Place it on a flat surface, and it doesn't quite lay flat. Does that explain it?

[Wichita]

That explains it to me 100%..... Thanks for all the info. Looks like I'll be ebaying tonight for hooks!