A Tackle Shop Guide to Circle Hooks
The circle hook is one of the most significant advancements in hook technology, but it requires a different approach to a standard J-hook. Understanding how they work and how to choose the right size is the key to unlocking their effectiveness. This guide will break down the essentials to help you fish them with confidence.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Circle hooks are now one of our best-selling styles, and for good reason, they mouth hook not gut hook. The biggest hurdle for anglers is learning not to strike—it goes against every instinct we know, but it's the most critical rule when using circle fishing hooks. Once you master the technique of letting the rod load up, you'll be sold on how the hook sets itself perfectly in the corner of the fish jaw every time.
While most of my tackle store team are lure anglers, there are times we go back to bait, myself included, especially when chasing jewfish from our local rivers like the Shoalhaven or for snapper out wide on the reefs. For this style of fishing, we're hooked on using circles. I run circles with whitebait through the eye when drifting for flathead down at Greenwell Point and on whole California squid while chasing Jew and Australian salmon from Bombo Beach.
Circle fishing hooks are fantastic for live and dead baits, resulting in a far better landing rate without gut hooking."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ Years experience in fishing circles
The Circle Hook Advantage: More Landed Fish, Healthier Releases
The design of a circle hook has two main benefits. Firstly, the unique shape results in a more secure hookset in the corner of the fish's jaw, which means you are far less likely to lose a fish during a long fight. Secondly, this hooking technique almost completely eliminates gut-hooking, which is often fatal for fish. This is why many catch-and-release tournaments now mandate the use of circle hooks—it’s a smarter and more responsible way to fish.
A Comprehensive Size & Rigging Guide
Choosing the right size circle hook is critical for a good hook-up rate. Here’s our guide based on common Australian fishing scenarios.
For Estuary Fishing (Bream, Flathead, Whiting)
Our best-selling sizes for general estuary work are typically #2, #1, or 1/0. For smaller species like bream, some anglers prefer to go down to a size 4 or 6. A top technique for flathead is to rig a whitebait on a circle hook. Pass the hook through the eye of the bait, turn it, and run it through the body so the point is fully exposed. This allows the bait to flutter naturally and results in a solid hook-up.
For Offshore Reef Fishing (Snapper, Morwong, Jewfish)
For targeting common reef species, anglers are typically purchasing sizes between 4/0 and 8/0. These sizes are perfect for presenting larger strip baits or whole squid. We find that the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle and Black Magic circle hooks are two of our most popular sellers for this style of fishing.
For Heavy-Duty Game Fishing (Marlin, Tuna)
For serious offshore game fishing, we stock a range of heavy-duty, larger-style circle hooks in sizes right up to 15/0. These are designed to handle the immense pressure of big, powerful pelagic species and are the standard for modern live and dead bait trolling.
Pro-Tips for Fishing with Circle Hooks
- The Golden Rule: Do Not Strike! When you get a bite on a circle hook, resist the urge to strike hard. This will simply pull the hook out of the fish's mouth. Instead, let the fish take the bait and swim away. As the line comes tight and the rod starts to bend, just start a slow, steady wind. The hook will roll into the corner of the jaw and set itself perfectly.
- Use a Snell Knot: The Snell Knot is the superior knot for circle hooks. It ensures that when the line comes tight, it pulls directly from the shank, which is critical for helping the hook to roll and lock into the fish's jaw as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a circle hook instead of a J-hook?
There are two main advantages. Firstly, they are the best choice for catch-and-release, as they almost always result in a clean, corner-of-the-mouth hookup. Secondly, because they are designed to self-set in the jaw hinge, they provide an incredibly secure connection, meaning you are far less likely to lose a fish during a long fight.
What Australian fish are circle hooks best for?
They are highly effective for any species that picks up and runs with a bait. They are a top choice for targeting Snapper, Whiting, Bream, and Jewfish (Mulloway). They are also the standard hook for game fishing when using live or dead baits for species like marlin and tuna.
Do I need to expose the hook point when baiting a circle hook?
Yes, absolutely. This is the most critical part of rigging a circle hook. The hook needs room to pivot and lock into the fish's jaw, so the gape (the opening) must not be choked with bait. The best technique is to lightly pin the hook through the top of your bait just once, ensuring the point and barb are completely exposed.
What is the best leader material to use with circle hooks?
Because circle hooks often result in long, drawn-out fights, a tough, abrasion-resistant leader is essential. A high-quality monofilament leader is an excellent choice as its stretch acts as a shock absorber, which helps prevent the hook from pulling out during sudden headshakes. For fishing over heavy reefs, a hard-wearing fluorocarbon leader is a great option for its superior abrasion resistance.
Do I need a special rod to fish with circle hooks?
While you don't need a specific "circle hook rod," a rod with a softer, more parabolic action (one that bends more through the middle) is a significant advantage. A stiff, fast-action rod can be too aggressive and can pull the hook out before it has a chance to set properly. A softer rod allows the fish to take the bait and turn, which is what allows the circle hook to do its job effectively.
