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]

Originally Posted by torchee

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!?

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Capt. Debbie]

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

Originally Posted by 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.

[Capt. Debbie]

Same here on our J hook loss

Originally Posted by 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.