I'd like to ask a question about something mentioned in a post regarding hook ethics. I noticed someone mentioned circle hooks within a list also consisting of barbs and treble hooks. I still use barbed hooks, although I can reason through to the conclusion that this may not be the best way to do things. Treble hooks..well..thats just not a good idea if you're thinking about catch and release. Swallowing a grappling hook will only serve to make things more difficult on the fish and the angler trying to remove the hook.
The fact that circle hooks were mentioned in that list is a little confusing to me. I've never used circle hooks for fishing for trout, but I can tell you that when I've used them for saltwater fishing and for some bass fishing applications, I have essentially a 100% rate of absolutely clean hooks through the lip. I guess its got something to do with the fact that the point of the hook travels along the same axis as the line that's setting the hook. I know the state of Maryland did a really interesting study on the use of circle hooks in relation to their decreased mortality rates in the Chesapeake Bay's rockfish rejuvination plans. You can check it out by clicking through at http://www.dnr.state.md.us I believe that if you click through the word "fisheries" whenever you see it, you can't help but get to the right place. Unfortunately, I'm at work right now without web access or I'd post a better link. Anyhow, what do you all think about this? Have any of you actually tied anything on circle hooks? I've got a box full of em, but I'd never even considered it! Thanks for your input! John Roth
