Bait fishing

[torchee]

Finally had some life on fresh cut bunker last night
Several 26”
1 big girl all released
Night shift
Back of Raritan bay
Bunker bouncing lines the whole time
3:00 am until sunrise

[Duffman]

Good to hear about a bait bite.

Were you previously a circle user? Or just start now with the new regs?

Reason I ask is only used them once years ago and hated it. Been a J hook guy forever. New regs will take this old man some getting used to.

[torchee]

Yesterday the circle hooks did their job and I liked them
Today I missed 2 run-offs and now I hate them

[rwp2101]

Yesterday the circle hooks did their job and I liked them
Today I missed 2 run-offs and now I hate them


I'm the same way.... what have you done for me... LATELY!? :D

[Skolmann]

I’ve had my best success using circle hooks when I’m using a bait runner style reel. Once the fish starts moving off with the bait, I give a 3-5 second count and simultaneously engage the reel and point the rod tip at the fish and quickly reel until the line comes tight. On a boat sometimes I’ll use a conventional set up, which I’ll hold and keep in freespool with my thumb lightly on the spool. Once I detect a pick up, I’ll do the same as I do with a bait runner.

[torchee]

I’ve had my best success using circle hooks when I’m using a bait runner style reel. Once the fish starts moving off with the bait, I give a 3-5 second count and simultaneously engage the reel and point the rod tip at the fish and quickly reel until the line comes tight. On a boat sometimes I’ll use a conventional set up, which I’ll hold and keep in freespool with my thumb lightly on the spool. Once I detect a pick up, I’ll do the same as I do with a bait runner.

I agree. I've used circle hooks with a bait runner in the fall when using live mullet / snappers with success.

[Capt. Debbie]

Same here on our J hook loss


Good to hear about a bait bite.

Were you previously a circle user? Or just start now with the new regs?

Reason I ask is only used them once years ago and hated it. Been a J hook guy forever. New regs will take this old man some getting used to.

[Capt. Debbie]

So you're better off dead sticking it and open bail / free spool/no drag


I’ve had my best success using circle hooks when I’m using a bait runner style reel. Once the fish starts moving off with the bait, I give a 3-5 second count and simultaneously engage the reel and point the rod tip at the fish and quickly reel until the line comes tight. On a boat sometimes I’ll use a conventional set up, which I’ll hold and keep in freespool with my thumb lightly on the spool. Once I detect a pick up, I’ll do the same as I do with a bait runner.

[Skolmann]

So you're better off dead sticking it and open bail / free spool/no drag

It’s been my experience that leaving the bail open-especially when using braid- leads to an increase in the chance of getting wind knot. Thus that’s why I prefer using a bait runner type reel when using a a circle hook.

[Dclark2]

Used circle hooks on stripers and Tuna and they have been good to me. All fish caught were hooked right in the side of the mouth. The method is not to set the hook let them run a bit then just start reeling. Some people take some time getting use to it but that's what it takes. Always used circle hooks for stripers for years and can't remember loosing a hook up.

[Flygaff]

I have been using mostly circle hooks for years. Really the only time I use J hooks is for Sea Bass & Tog. Took a while to get used to but now it is the norm

[Ol Pedro]

With the Striper bait regs I was considering brideling live bunker. I always fished offset circles because they are easier to use when hiding in butters/sardines/chunks. Had good success with clams and circles. You can get circles with bait holder barbs. At least we can still snag bunker.

[spc06]

You guys are the best! In Maine I'm still 6 weeks out until they come my way, keep the reports coming!