Circle Snaggers
 

These are being sold in NJ to comply with ASMFC mandate to use circle hooks when using bait for Striped Bass. Snag and drop Bunker livelining necessitates 2 rigs, this snagger eliminates that.... but is it legal? NJ website states “Snag and drop” fishing for striped bass (when you snag a menhaden with a treble hook and immediately live line it) is now prohibited.
https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/mari...uestions-faqs/

Re: Circle Snaggers
 

Very imaginative workaround the law.. It is circle hook,its not a treble, and they'll sell a bunch until njdec catches on. Goes to show bright ideas always pop up when there's a buck to be made....

Re: Circle Snaggers
 

Yes they are legal to use in New Jersey and other states. it is not a treble hook. They are in line circle hooks and there is only two.. I make and sell a single hook version that works just as well so there is no question of legality

Re: Circle Snaggers
 

Yes but is there a question of mortality since last I knew circle hooks weren't intended to be used with weights wrapped around them. Isn't the point of the change to rebuild the stock and not cause more mortality, actual or assumed, by gut hooking fish. Does anyone know what impacts a weighted circle rig with two hooks and a pound plus live bunker has on fish being gut hooked or do we need to wait for fisheries management to say it causes a 50% mortality rate and close the fishery down completely.