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Circle Hooks

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Embrace Sustainable Fishing with Circle Hooks

Switch to circle hooks to make your fishing more sustainable. Increasingly popular for recreational and commercial anglers, these fishing hooks can improve catch rates and reduce fish injury. At Fishing Superstore, we offer a selection of circle hooks from the top brands, such as Mustad and Wizard Tackle, delivering some of the best options in Australia. Explore our range online and upgrade your fishing gear with modern, eco-friendly tackle.

Why Use Circle Hooks When Fishing?

The history of circle hooks dates back to Neolithic times. New Zealand's Maori have used similar bait hooks for centuries, carving them from bones and shells.

Modern circle hooks are made from lightweight yet strong steel to deliver superior performance. They feature a curved design to hook fish in the corner of the mouth. Unlike traditional J-hooks or treble hooks that penetrate deeply into the throat or gut, circular hooks prevent internal injuries. Safer for the fish, they are more suitable for catch-and-release fishing.

Circle hooks have been scientifically proven to enhance fish survival rates—up to 90% of mouth-hooked fish when targeting tuna, catfish, snapper, golden perch, bream, flathead, and kingfish.

The Benefits of Circle Hooks

Switching to circle hooks has many advantages:

  • With circle hooks, fish often hook themselves, so there is no need for a powerful strike.
  • Since circle hooks reduce deep hooking, they minimise damage to internal organs and increase the likelihood of fish survival after release.
  • Circle hooks perform exceptionally well with live or cut bait, as they naturally slide into position as the fish takes the bait.
  • Circle hooks ensure a more secure catch. Once set, they are less likely to dislodge than J-hooks.
  • Circle hooks are a must for fishing tournaments and conservation areas, which require the use of ethical equipment.

How to Use Circle Hooks

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make when using circle hooks is trying to set the hook aggressively like they would with a jig hook. However, with a circle hook, the key is to let the fish hook itself. Wait until the fish takes the bait then apply slow, steady pressure. The hook will naturally slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth.

For best results, hook the bait lightly, leaving the point exposed, and don't bury it in tough bait. You should always choose the hook size that matches the bait and species you're targeting:

  • The 9/0 circle hooks work well with mullet, herring, or mackerel and can be used for snapper, kingfish, or large flathead.
  • The 18/0 hooks are for big game fishing, such as tuna and marlin. They are incredibly strong and suitable for large, tough baits.

Shop Circle Hooks at Fishing Superstore

If you need hooks for inshore or offshore fishing, you'll find the right choice in our store. At Fishing Superstore, we stock a variety of circle hooks, jigging assists, gaffs, casting, and whiting hooks in different sizes from Mustad, Afishlure, Wizard Tackle, Austackle, and more. With our superior customer service, the best prices in Australia, and free shipping on orders over $49, shopping with us is convenient and enjoyable. We also offer 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for the Fishing Superstore Community.

Browse our collection online and make the switch to circle hooks today to unlock a whole new fishing experience with Fishing Superstore.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Anglers use circle hooks because they offer a higher hook-up rate, reduce fish injury, and increase the survival of released fish. Their design ensures that fish are hooked in the corner of the mouth rather than deep in the throat, which is particularly beneficial for catch-and-release fishing. Circle hooks are widely used in tournaments and recreational fishing.

 

Yes, circle hooks tend to snag less than traditional J-hooks. Their curved design reduces the likelihood of getting caught on structures like rocks, coral, and submerged debris. Also, since they are designed to slide out of a fish’s throat and catch in the corner of the mouth, sharp-toothed fish are less likely to cut the line.

 

Circle hooks are primarily designed for bait fishing and are not typically used for artificial lures. With circle hooks, the fish takes the bait and naturally hooks itself, while artificial lures require greater effort from the angler—a different approach to hooking fish. However, some anglers experiment with circle hooks on soft plastic baits.

 

Larger circle hooks, such as 9/0 to 18/0, are ideal for species like yellowfin or bluefin tuna. They ensure a strong hook-up and will hold against the powerful fight of a tuna. For perch, a 1/0 to 4/0 circle hook is more suitable. Smaller sizes reduce the risk of deep hooking.

 

The Snell knot is widely considered the best knot for circle hooks. It ensures the hook remains aligned with the leader, allowing for the best possible hook-up when the fish takes the bait. You can also use the Palomar knot. It offers strong holding power and easy tying.

 

Circle hooks are highly effective for many species but not for all. They work best for tuna, bream, flathead, snapper, red drum, white marlin, and sailfish—fish that take the bait and swim away steadily. When fish strike aggressively or require an immediate hook set, such as some freshwater predators, traditional J-hooks may be more effective.

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