Circle hooks for trout

[NJSquatch]

Has anyone used circle hooks for c&r trout fishing?

The little guys hit aggressively and tend to get gut hooked. Trying to release more fish this year.

I would imagine that the inline versions are preferred. What size are you using?

[River Renegade]

I got some 1/0 circle hooks for trout and they work great. Pick up some and try 'em out on you're next adventure.

[Delawareriver]

For minnows and worms they work excellent powerboat is a no go since you need to set the hook to get the pb off the hook and into the fishes mouth which doesn't work well for circles

[phil]

Originally Posted by Delawareriver

For minnows and worms they work excellent powerboat is a no go since you need to set the hook to get the pb off the hook and into the fishes mouth which doesn't work well for circles

cant you expose part of the hook end through the PB? my circle hook experience is limited to saltwater where I use huge ones on bunker head hooked through the tip of the lips. I assume the same theory applies, maybe not lol

[icebadger]

if you are going to use circle hooks,skip the play-dough

[Rickhem]

I have a different experience with using PowerBait with circles. Since we sold it at the place where I used to work, and since so many people used to ask about it, I figured I should be able to tell people how to use it successfully. For me, it was usually a dead-sticking proposition where I'd have one rod out with PowerBait while I threw spinners with another. As such, I used it with small circles, size 10 or 12, usually Gamagatsu. I'd ball up the PowerBait to cover the hook and use enough to make it float. Then I'd add a splitshot about 18-24 inches up the line, big enough to pull everything to the bottom. I'd cast it out and it would sink, but the PowerBait and hook would rise that 18-24" off the bottom where it was visible and available to the fish, not lost down in the weeds or between the rocks. I'd really only know I had a fish on by the line pulling out and that's where the circles did their thing, hooking the fish before I ever got to pick up the rod.
If you want to keep the fish, then don't bother with circles, but if you want to release them, or at least have that option, then the circles work.

Just my 2¢.

[americandesi]

NJSquatch, I've used inline circle hooks and had good results with them before I switched over to using artificial lures and flies. The Gamakatsu Size 6 hooks below work great for stockies. Eagle Claw makes a size 8, which is what I would recommend if you are fishing a stream that has both stocked and wild trout. I've caught small trout using bait on a size 6 circle hook and had the hook go right through their eye, which is why I recommend size 8 if you are going to be fishing where wild trout are present. Fortunately trout can survive with just one eye.

http://www.amazon.com/Gamakatsu-Octo...le+hook+size+6

http://www.basspro.com/Eagle-Claw-La...2060712482624/

As far as powerbait goes. I've caught stockies using powerbait with the hook point exposed, and using salmon eggs with the hook point exposed. They don't seem to care as long as the rest of the presentation is good.

I've seen plenty of trout caught by fishermen who use beads where an entire hook is visible, and I've caught plenty of trout using egg flies where the hook point is visible.

[NJSquatch]

Guys thanks for the advice and links. Ordered some up and will give them a shot. The trout fishing has been great so far.