Striped bass circle hook loss

[shresearchdude]

Hello all,

FYI-
In 2013 I brought 50 decent sized Striped Bass into our lab at SH for a study.
I needed them in pristine shape so I used the age old technique of hook/line.
Of the 50 brought in- I initially couldn't get the hook out of three and I left the hooks in. Two hooks were deep and one was lodged in the jaw where I didn't want to damage the fish to get it out.
2 of the hooked fish were tanks on April 29. Fish #3 was in the lab May 13.
Hooks found in bottom of tanks May 17(collected 4/29) , May 20(collected May 29) and June 24(collected May 13). The hooks were not passed through the fish- the fish dislodged the hooks. I've seen it in many species.

The photo shows that the barb on 2/3 hooks rusted away. So instead of struggling to get the hook out and having the fish bleed out, just cut the line off as close as you can.

[Capt Sal]

Exactly! Get rid of those English off set hooks for fluke also.Small hooks for fluke are a death sentence.12-0 circle for stripers.

[Chrisper4694]

use a lure, you'll have more fun and won't have to worry about gut hook haha

[jerseyhunter]

Good info

[Goatee]

Thanks for the information. This is as close to natural conditions that we are likely to be able to monitor.

[shrimpman steve]

Thanks. Great info

[Take a kid fishing]

Great read and info. I thank you and the fish thank you.

[Fishin Dude]

That's good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

[Capt. Lou]

Good info for sure , it's amazing what an insividual can accomplish w/o major expense &'endless useless studies ! Thanks !

[Jersey Reel]

I like this, thanks for the info