David,
First, I would like to clarify that I have not used circle hooks much but I do know a little something about how they work and if they would be a wise choice for salmon trolling.
The concept of circle hooks is that when used with bait the fish(most commonly halibut) can swallow the bait and the shape of the hook will not allow it to stick deep in the mouth or in the throat. The reason for this is the hook point is turned inward and it does not catch until the hook is pulled out at which point it will catch in the corner of the mouth. The theory behind this is as follows:
In order for the circle hook to stick in the corner of the mouth the hook must be set when the fish is turning and/or swimming away with the bait.
As far as salmon trolling with circles goes, have you ever watched Charlie White's underwater salmon videos? You will see that salmon, especially large ones, sometimes completely inhale a bait and more often than not will indeed turn and swim away with it. Although it may seem that circle hooks would work in this situation, it is more the exception to the rule. Salmon generally short-strike a trolled bait without completely injesting it and this is the reason many are caught on the trailing hook. Salmon may not necessarily hold on to a bait for more than a split second at which point in time the circle hook would not work due to the short strike.
I have never heard of circle hooks being used for salmon by commercial trollers or sportfishermen which also makes me believe that circle hooks may be best suited for halibut.
Life is short...fish hard!!!
JR
_________________________
Why settle for one when you can have hundreds?
Previous Topic
Index
