I'm a very experienced angler who does very little pike fishing so I found this extremely usefull. So thanks for putting this out there and explaining the mechanics of using circle hooks.I have dabbled with them for chub fishing with fish baits but will now quite happily use them for some pike fishing on the Thames. You are never too old to learn in angling or you shouldn't be and its thanks to guys like yourself who take the time to do these little videos that us less experienced predator anglers can learn from. Cheers fella
Ive been using circle hooks in my pike fishing since 2012 they work perfectly fine and are 100% more beneficial to the pikes safety cheers and tightlines
I've only started using circle hooks for pike recently and like the results. I've been using them for bass here on the Irish East Coast for the past few years and the hook-up rate is excellent.
I think this is the way to go I have been using them for bass fishing just lately at Felixstowe and every bass is always lip hooked I only keep the odd one to eat .I'm like you experimenting with circle hooks for my pike fishing this season I have always used a single hook on the bottom hook on the snap tackle and this really helps unhooking them I always think fish welfare first keep the video's coming may see you on there this season I fished it alot a few years ago and had some cracking pike. 👍
Like your concern for fish welfare. I'm moving over to barbless circle hooks for pIke and also general coarse fishing. Even if the hook up rate turns out to be slightly lower that wouldn't be the end of the world.
Exactly my thinking prefer to lose a fish than deep hook it. Having said that the only fish I lost in that session was on the rod with a conventional snap tackle set up. 👍
Hi Gazz, really glad you liked the video. The shelter was made by TFG and called the day shelter. They dont make it anymore but I beleive a company called Westlake bought the design and they sell one that looks identical to me. They call it the Westlakr Lc day shelter. 👍👍
I just came across your channel I was on the fence as I tried the circle hook last week on a bigger bait and the fish just had hold of the bait and not the hook . After seeing this I'm gonna persevere with the circle hook I hate trebble hooks . Great video 👌
Just came across your channel about circle hooks and am going to try it , using trebles for 55 yrs here in mayo IE, and am always terrified of a deep hook, it has happened me sadly and now your video has made me try them , great instructional video mate, Also, what make is that awesome day shelter?? Thanks
Great filming and I fully agree that single hooks are so much better for removing from pike, they have of course been used long before treble hooks were invented. They are my favourite for use with small baits as you are using, but for big baits, I prefer size eight trebles. I prefer not to use stainless steel hooks as if swallowed they will never dissolve making them more dangerous. I think single hooks are definitely making a comeback so are coming full 'circle'.
Great comments, 👍 I have only ever used trebles for Pike so for.me it's very new, but I am. Impressed with my first trial so will keep going with the single circles. I know what you mean about bigger baits, having said I have caught Tarpon to 130lbs in the Florida Keys on whole live Mullet juts hooked very lightly near the tail so I will have to experiment and see hiw it goes. Tight lines 👍👍👍
Had 3 trips this year, just short sessions after work 3 hours, resulting in 3 fish 18.5lb 21.5lb & 24lb, all on Circle hooks (crushed barb) all in the scissors, which popped out with my fingers, cmon Pike anglers get rid of your trebles, you don't need them
Lovely video Simon 👍 I’m new to circle hooks for pike but my experience so far is good. Might struggle with big baits but I’m sure there’s a get around. You’ve really shown the benefits there 👍
Thanks for your comment I am glad you see the benefits as I have so far. Its early days but I feel this is how I will be fishing for Pike going forwards. You're right about bigger baits, but where there's a will there's a way 😁
Brilliant video Simon I've been using semi barbed trebles for years but watch this video I will be definitely using circle hooks from now on I can certainly see the benefits and reading the comments here it looks the way forward 🎣👍
Thanks Levo 👍. I have to say for me personally it's how I will fish dead baits from now on. Hope you get on well with them, don't forget tighten into the run and lift, no sharp strike 👍. Look out for my upcoming Costa Rica kayak fishing videos I will be posting throughout the next month. I caught some Amazing fish!
Great vid enjoyed it and single hooks are definitely the way forward and like u said don't strike just lean into the take from the pike.also more fish friendly as well thanx for sharing
I have just found your channel and am now a subscriber. Great video, enjoyed it. I have been using circle hooks for pike for a few seasons now and find them the only way to go, usually hooked in the scissors, sometimes on the inside of the cheek or inside the mouth, but never in the gullet. Have you considered fishing the baits on a hair? that keeps the hook totally bare and free. There are videos online to give you ideas, or do as I did and develop your own method of attachment. I use hollow braid, create a loop that goes round the head, or top jaw, of the bait, thread through the body and out the tail wrist, a half hitch and jobs a food un.
Hi Terry thanks for your comments 👍 Hair rig sounds a good way to go, I will give that a try next time out. Nice to hear others getting on well with circles for Pike, I have had quite a few people make out circle hooks are the devils work. I can only assume it is people who haven't tried them. I use them often for sea fishing and find they work really well and much kinder on the fish.
Just watched yr vid pike fishing with circle hooks top session Simon some nice crocs mate will watch another tomorrow and work my way throw them all 🎣🏴
Circle hooks are the best way for Pike, I've been using them for pike for the past 25 years, I like the catfish pro circle hooks (size 2/0 & 4/0), they are the strongest, best circle hooks I've ever used. You could hook a land rover and pull it without them bending out they are that strong lol.
Hey man you are good on the pike stuff. I think. I don't know much on pike fishing. But I do watch a bit of it. Proper Predator with teeth. Well done Simon. Oh the other video was good. and what a monster. Cracking mate.
Hey Rick, I used 5/0 inline circle hooks I bought at BassPro in Islamorada Florida Keys. I seem to remember they were BassPro's own brand, I have used the Mustad hooks as well for sea fishing and am sure they would work just as well for the Pike fishing. Glad you enjoyed the video. Got 3 great sea fishing videos coming up in then next month from my recent trip to Costa Rica. Hit the bell icon to see them and hope you have subscribed 😁👍
Hi Mister Wilson the shelter if a TFG day shelter, super quick to put up and take down. I think they may have stopped making them as I searched online and cant see them anymore which is a great shame. Circle hooks are the way forward for me.
Hi Sweeney the shelter if a TFG day shelter, super quick to put up and take down. I think they may have stopped making them as I searched online and cant see them anymore which is a great shame. 5/0 in line circle hook is what I was using.
Hi and thanks for subscribing 👍. I was using 5/0 Mustad inline circle hooks. Give them a go and see how you get on. Remember tighten into the run, don't strike. Also when mounting the hook make sure most of the bend and point are visible, you can even hair rig the bait which I guess would increase hook ups even more.
I've used circle hooks for the past couple of seasons,catfish pro size four barbless,I use shrink tube to help it turn as in carp rigs.i must admit it's hard not striking a run at first.i usually sweep the rod sideways nice and steady, sometimes I pull out(which I can live with) I've never deep hooked a fish and unhooking is unbelievably easy and a lot of the time the hook has fell out in the net.i personally think it's less stressful for the pike and that is all in bothered about every fish I catch is there to be caught by someone else,fad? Fashion?Maybe ,but it works and that's good enough for me👍
@@jamestheferret I just did it to try and make the hook turn in extra( hopefully) it's just back to my carping days I suppose.i feel it gives me a better hooking ratio but that's open to discussion
@@philclark6250 so went pike fishing yesterday with size 6/0 circle hook live rainbow trout around 8" long with the hook just behind the dorsal. Three pike took the bait three pike on the bank, biggest was only 12lb 8oz but perfect hook hold in each fish. Trying not to strike was hard! Just wound down slowly until I connected and felt it set. I was with a friend who's actually the river bailiff on the trout fishery I was fishing, he took the piss loads about circle hooks until he saw me catch and the ease of Unhooking. Now he wants me to tie up a few traces for him haha
That was a great video and you've given me some good confidence in circle hooks, Im not keen on trebles from presentation to Unhooking so this is a game changer
Hi James I have fished trebles for Pike for over 40 years and am going to be moving over to circles going forwards. I have heard people saying circle hook cause massive damage but this flies in the face of studies done in America where in a lot of states they are mandatory, specifically as they do less damage than J hooks and trebles. Makes unhooking easy and far quicker with little to no chance of gut hooking.
@@SLSFishing since leaving that comment I've had 4 pike to mid doubles in one day session and a morning session on circles, a livebait trout (6/7" long) hooked behind the dorsal, every pike has been perfectly hooked in the scissors and little to no damage and the live bait stays lively for AGES! Not going back to trebles again, I've also found that I don't get a kinked trace as it's never inside the jaws so I sharpen the hook and fish again, in fact all 4 fish were on the same trace and hook! Many thanks
@@jamestheferret that sounds perfect! What a great session. I am fishing in Mauritius for a few weeks then be doing some pike fishing so hopefully get some more videos on soon 👍👍👍
@arsenalfootballuk glad you liked it 👍 the shelter used to be made by TFG they called it the day shelter. Brilliant bit of kit. They no longer do it but a company called Westlake do the same one. Guess they bought the rights. Go to www.ultimateoutdoors and search Westlake Lc day shelter.
Thanks Greg I appreciate your comments. The shelter is a TFG day shelter. I think they still make them but am not 100% sure. I got mine about 4 years ago.
I was using 5/0 inline circle hooks. As these are the only ones I have tried and they worked perfectly I will stick with them. When hooking the bait be sure to expose as much of the hook as possible. I might try hair rigging them next time.
Hi Neil I am going with circle hooks from now on, The shelter is a TFG day shelter, not sure if they still make it as its about 6 years old. Sure if they don't there is something similar available.
Hi it is called The Day Shelter and was made by a company called TFG. I think they may have stopped making it which is a real shame. Mine is 10 years old now and showing signs of its age.
Hi, I am just getting into pike bobber fishing and have a few questions. I will be using bluegill and perch in the 4 to 5 inch range for bait on a circle hook. Me and my son will cast out 4 rods. 2 of the rods are trolling rods with level wind reels and the other 2 rods have spinning reels on them. My question is: on the trolling rods with the level wind reels, am I supposed to cast bait out, put in free spool with bait clicker on in rod holder or don't have it in freespool? And on the rods with spinning reels on them, am I supposed to cast out and leave bail open or closed in the rod holder? Also how long after fish bites do I reel it in? Thanks
Hi I only ever use spinning reels for my pike fishing and rarely use a float (bobber). I have free spool setting on the reel which allows the fish to take the bait without feeling resistance. I like to tighten up to the fish within a few seconds of it picking up the bait. This usually results ina hook up. Hope that helps 👍👍
@SLSFishing where is the free spool setting on a spinning reel? Is it that switch that's on the bottom of the spinning reel which can make it reel backwards?
@@craigwagner327 you have to buy a specialist spinning reel with a fr spool facility something like PENN Penn Spinfisher VI Live Liner Spinning Reels-SSVI4500LL
Great Vid. Been watching the Ginger Fisherman, and TA fishing. They also promote single circular hooks, and double VB Partridge hooks. Been using them for twitching, and wobbling sprats with great success for hooking them in the scissors; will try them for deadbaiting in the colder months ahead. 5/0 seems a huge hook, can I go smaller?
Hi and thanks for the kind comment 👍. I used the 5/0 circle hooks as I already had them for sea fishing in the USA. I feel they seem to work pretty well and cannot see a reason to go smaller. That said I have no experience using anything different size wise for Pike so you may well be able to. I am just aware that Pike have pretty big mouths (even a small Jack Pike) so probably wouldn't go much smaller myself, at least not for dead baits.
I use a small weight no more than 1.5 oz. Don't need anything heaveir as the weight of the bait alone is enough to cast a fair distance. Try it and see if it makes the difference 👍
@@SLSFishing yea the bait is always enough to cast but you will find you get drop backs, the fish will drag the weight with the bait if it’s too light to hold bottom, also you cannot keep the braid tight over a long distance say 60 yards on average, I lost a lot of fish last season due to the line having to pick the lead up first not being in direct contact with the hook and they usually bumped out of the mouth. When they use them hooks for big marlin and sword fish tuna they have a dead fish-live fish direct to the line no sinkers or float. I shall have a another go with a 2oz lead. I use a bait boat so casting is not an issue just being in direct contact with the bait over long distance
Change your rig so that the weight is on a 3 foot piece of line on a running ledger. When you catch you will be into the fish before the weight comes into play as long as the wire trace is 18”” or less. This has many advantages as you can use use a lower breaking strain line with a knot or two to weaken, if the weight gets snagged the ledger will break off and let you get the baited trace back.
@@Bo88y22 yea I know what ya saying, it does sound like a tangle already lower breaking strain wrapping round the trace, ideally the hooks are only good for short distance ideally under a float. If I get any short distance circumstances I might drop one on with a light weight but for big lakes and res, I lost 4-5 runs in row 1 day, you can still deep hook a fish with them as said multiple times online, they are just easier to unhook if hooked in a specific place the scissors, think well placed trebles on a bait with an instant strike never lost a fish, the only reason they drop of is a lack of tension on the line the weight usually unhooks them
After watching your vid I’m very keen to try circle hooks. Using trebles I always strike straight away as I’d rather lose a fish than deep hook it. So, when using circles when do you wind-down? How soon after the bait has been picked up? Great video by the way 😊
Hi Alan, glad you liked the video 👍👍 It was my first time with circles and each time I left it around 5 seconds from hearing the alarm to winding into it. Worked pretty well for me.
@@SLSFishing My experence with singles "j" hooks, is that pike take the bait more confidently than with trebles. I have moved to chunks of fish on a hair and hitting at the very first indication. Circles now purchased !
Hi Robert I use inline circle hooks as they are meant to be safer for the fish. I believe offset circle hooks were designed for commercial long line fishing as the fish hook themselves.
Circle hooks are superb, you may lose the odd fish with a big bait, but there is never a deep hooked fish always in the scissors, great for fish welfare.
@@SLSFishing You always think bad thoughts when you lose a fish, but if you haven't nicked them with the hook, 9 times out of 10 they come back again, caught about 40-50 Pike since October, all swam away strongly, convinced circle hooks are the way to go. Tight lines Andy
Circle hooks seem to be the fashion year days so that pike are scissor hooked to aid unhooking. What anglers aren’t aware of is the fact that with scissor hooking, the wire can slip behind scissors and cause a “cheese wire” effect and subsequently the wire cuts into the scissors and causes damage. This can also happen when using treble hooks but the risk is minimal with treble hooks as hook holds are seldom in the scissors. Also, circles can cause “stitching”. Large circles can also cause fatal damage when swallowed. Best way to enhance easy hooking is to use barbless treble hooks or semi barbed hooks - a Dave Lumb lure weave mesh for your landing net will ensure trebles don’t get stuck in the net!👍
I am sure using any kind of hook causes damage. I have used circle hooks for sea fishing for 12 years, Pike only recently. In that time personally I have never had an instance of the flesh behind the scissors being ripped as you describe. In may fisheries in the USA you can only use circle hooks specifically on the grounds of fish safety. Treble hooks can cause fatality through being swallowed. You mention that trebles rarely hook in the scissors, yes because they more often hook in the mouth which also means there is a greater risk of hooking the very vital gills. I have caught thousands of Pike on trebles in my life and most are unharmed, but I have (like all Pike fishermen) had instances of deep hooking and damage to the gills, which may have resulted in the fish dying after release. I will continue using circle hooks and if I see they do more harm than good switch back to trebles.
@@SLSFishing I wasn’t having a pop at you directly mate. I’ve seen first hand with my own eyes the damage caused and I pulled off one water because it and if you haven’t had it happen, it’s only a matter of time and you’re playing Russian Roulette. Deep hooking is down to poor bite indication,inexperience or just plain ignorance of leaving bites to “develop” instead of striking . Used correctly, trebles pose no risk - if they did then there wouldn’t be any pike around today and they’ve been used for years!…..tight lines👍
I didnt think you were having a pop and neither was I. I do have to say deep hooking being about poor bite indication is not that simple, Pike sometimes swallow a bait very quickly others not, take a look at some of the underwater videos of Pike taking baits to see this. You say you have seen instances of Pike with ripped scissors, how can you say it was a circle hook that caused the rip? I have seen pike with two or three snap tackles in there throats, I don't think they do any good for the fish. Hooks of any description are dangerous to fish. So far I personally have found less damage with circles, if this changes I will revert back. But to pretend trebles have no risk is in itself ignorance? I have read a lot of reports on circle hooks being specifically designed for fish safety as I said, there are many such reports online. The great thing about our country is we can each have our own view and share it. Good luck with the fishing and tight lines to you to. 👍
@@SLSFishing as I said previously, I’ve seen the damage with my own eyes ie as fish were landed and netted. There were a group of anglers using circles and singles and as a result, a large majority of fish on this water had damage to their scissors - conclusive in itself that it was the circles and singles after witnessing it! With regards trebles being far more dangerous - why is it then that all the top pike anglers DON’T use circles and why don’t they and also tackle companies, promote circles? You don’t hear any of them promoting circles or see articles from them promoting circles for the very reasons I’ve mentioned - if they thought for one minute that circles were far safer then these well known ambassador to our sport would be doing all they can and promoting them on the basis of fish welfare!👍
Hi Paul its made by TFG and they called it the day shelter. I think they stopped making it as I cant find it online anymore. Seems a shame it that's the case because it takes about 30 seconds to erect and dismantle. I love mine.
@@SLSFishing Well think of it like this.....The Lead on your rig is this most likely thing to snag. So rather than risk losing your baited rig after a snap off ie trying to free the lead. Why not just have a weak link lead then all you drop is your lead. Simple really no lost rig no massive line stretch .
I have fished this rig for many years without a problem, if it was a fish safety issue sure, but its not so I am very much if its not broke don; fix it. Not only that the waters I fish are pretty much snag free 👍
I think he means it is increasing your likelyhood of a mainline breakage, in which case it is a fish-safety issue because the trace would be left 'fishing' in this instance. Having the weakest link between the lead and mainline will ensure you will only ever loose the lead, and not the baited trace. Nice video btw. I enjoyed watching. I've often toyed with singles/trebles/circles and I am still yet to settle. I'm interested to know how you've gotten on since this video was uploaded? Have you stuck to the Circles? What were your findings? Cheers! :)
I started using circles about 3 seasons ago. I'd say I failed to hook at least 75% of the fish that took my bait. I always lift into the pike rather than strike but even this didn't work. I stopped using them because I was missing too many fish.
I will have to see how I get on with them over a period of time. What size hooks were you using and did you just 'nick' the hook into the bait? Important to have most of the hook visible with circles.
I always get AMAZED At how awesome fishing can Get! I have just found your channel and It is just INCREDIBLE! We are currently trying to grow at the moment too and we absolutely LOVE FISHING! And we love survival and adventure! If you guys wanted to help support us that would be the Best :) Keep up the great content! :D and stay Fishing!
Hi and thanks for the comments, so glad you enjoyed the video, just hit the subcribe on your channel, I will give the videos a good look later. Good luck growing your channel 👍
I'm a very experienced angler who does very little pike fishing so I found this extremely usefull. So thanks for putting this out there and explaining the mechanics of using circle hooks.I have dabbled with them for chub fishing with fish baits but will now quite happily use them for some pike fishing on the Thames.
You are never too old to learn in angling or you shouldn't be and its thanks to guys like yourself who take the time to do these little videos that us less experienced predator anglers can learn from. Cheers fella
Thanks Neil I appreciate your comments 👍 😀 I Hope you have success using circle hooks to. Tight lines.
Ive been using circle hooks in my pike fishing since 2012 they work perfectly fine and are 100% more beneficial to the pikes safety cheers and tightlines
I am late to the circle hooks but am using them from now on. 👍👍👍
I've only started using circle hooks for pike recently and like the results. I've been using them for bass here on the Irish East Coast for the past few years and the hook-up rate is excellent.
I think this is the way to go I have been using them for bass fishing just lately at Felixstowe and every bass is always lip hooked I only keep the odd one to eat .I'm like you experimenting with circle hooks for my pike fishing this season I have always used a single hook on the bottom hook on the snap tackle and this really helps unhooking them I always think fish welfare first keep the video's coming may see you on there this season I fished it alot a few years ago and had some cracking pike. 👍
Couldn't agree more!
Like your concern for fish welfare. I'm moving over to barbless circle hooks for pIke and also general coarse fishing. Even if the hook up rate turns out to be slightly lower that wouldn't be the end of the world.
Exactly my thinking prefer to lose a fish than deep hook it. Having said that the only fish I lost in that session was on the rod with a conventional snap tackle set up. 👍
Top viewing. Want to do it myself . Do not want to harm fish . Great info and tips. 👍👏
I always feed the tag end back into the crimp before crimping,when making my rigs, never had one break in 20+ years
Great idea, I will try that 👍
Circle hooks thumbs up! Been catching flatties on 1,0s there prone to deep hook on aberdeens,,,tight lines
That shelter was awesome for a quick session, could you tell me the brand and model plz... brilliant video
Hi Gazz, really glad you liked the video. The shelter was made by TFG and called the day shelter. They dont make it anymore but I beleive a company called Westlake bought the design and they sell one that looks identical to me. They call it the Westlakr Lc day shelter. 👍👍
Love the detail and rigs explained just subscribed
Thanks always good to hear positive feedback 👍👍 Thanks for subscribing to.
I just came across your channel I was on the fence as I tried the circle hook last week on a bigger bait and the fish just had hold of the bait and not the hook . After seeing this I'm gonna persevere with the circle hook I hate trebble hooks . Great video 👌
Worth a second go I reckon, just make sure most of the hook is visible and free from the bait.
Just came across your channel about circle hooks and am going to try it , using trebles for 55 yrs here in mayo IE, and am always terrified of a deep hook, it has happened me sadly and now your video has made me try them , great instructional video mate,
Also, what make is that awesome day shelter??
Thanks
Great filming and I fully agree that single hooks are so much better for removing from pike, they have of course been used long before treble hooks were invented. They are my favourite for use with small baits as you are using, but for big baits, I prefer size eight trebles. I prefer not to use stainless steel hooks as if swallowed they will never dissolve making them more dangerous. I think single hooks are definitely making a comeback so are coming full 'circle'.
Great comments, 👍 I have only ever used trebles for Pike so for.me it's very new, but I am. Impressed with my first trial so will keep going with the single circles. I know what you mean about bigger baits, having said I have caught Tarpon to 130lbs in the Florida Keys on whole live Mullet juts hooked very lightly near the tail so I will have to experiment and see hiw it goes. Tight lines 👍👍👍
top video i use single carp hooks never been a fan of trebles to much messing about trying to unhook the fish but i will try circle hooks thanks again
Had 3 trips this year, just short sessions after work 3 hours, resulting in 3 fish 18.5lb 21.5lb & 24lb, all on Circle hooks (crushed barb) all in the scissors, which popped out with my fingers, cmon Pike anglers get rid of your trebles, you don't need them
I saw, this a couple of days ago. And I ordered my circle hooks and gonna, try it right away. Feels much nicer than trebls
I quit deadbaiting after a deep hooked pristine looking jack died on me. Very upsetting. This circle hook malarkey looks great and very interesting.
Hi Iron, I would say give it a try 👍👍
Lovely video Simon 👍 I’m new to circle hooks for pike but my experience so far is good. Might struggle with big baits but I’m sure there’s a get around. You’ve really shown the benefits there 👍
Thanks for your comment I am glad you see the benefits as I have so far. Its early days but I feel this is how I will be fishing for Pike going forwards.
You're right about bigger baits, but where there's a will there's a way 😁
Just subscribed to your channel will check out your videos later 👍
@@SLSFishing ahh nice, thank you
Brilliant video Simon
I've been using semi barbed trebles for years but watch this video I will be definitely using circle hooks from now on I can certainly see the benefits and reading the comments here it looks the way forward 🎣👍
Thanks Levo 👍. I have to say for me personally it's how I will fish dead baits from now on. Hope you get on well with them, don't forget tighten into the run and lift, no sharp strike 👍. Look out for my upcoming Costa Rica kayak fishing videos I will be posting throughout the next month. I caught some Amazing fish!
Great vid enjoyed it and single hooks are definitely the way forward and like u said don't strike just lean into the take from the pike.also more fish friendly as well thanx for sharing
Cheers Phil and Rubens, glad you enjoyed the video, in line circle hooks are definitely how I will dead bait for pike from now on 👍👍👍
I have just found your channel and am now a subscriber. Great video, enjoyed it. I have been using circle hooks for pike for a few seasons now and find them the only way to go, usually hooked in the scissors, sometimes on the inside of the cheek or inside the mouth, but never in the gullet. Have you considered fishing the baits on a hair? that keeps the hook totally bare and free. There are videos online to give you ideas, or do as I did and develop your own method of attachment. I use hollow braid, create a loop that goes round the head, or top jaw, of the bait, thread through the body and out the tail wrist, a half hitch and jobs a food un.
Hi Terry thanks for your comments 👍 Hair rig sounds a good way to go, I will give that a try next time out. Nice to hear others getting on well with circles for Pike, I have had quite a few people make out circle hooks are the devils work. I can only assume it is people who haven't tried them. I use them often for sea fishing and find they work really well and much kinder on the fish.
Just watched yr vid pike fishing with circle hooks top session Simon some nice crocs mate will watch another tomorrow and work my way throw them all 🎣🏴
Hey Karl really good to know your enjoying them! I really appreciate your comments buddy and hope you like the others 👍👍👍
Hopefully it works just as well in rivers, I don’t see why it wouldn’t though
Circle hooks are the best way for Pike, I've been using them for pike for the past 25 years, I like the catfish pro circle hooks (size 2/0 & 4/0), they are the strongest, best circle hooks I've ever used. You could hook a land rover and pull it without them bending out they are that strong lol.
Good to know!
Hey man you are good on the pike stuff. I think. I don't know much on pike fishing. But I do watch a bit of it. Proper Predator with teeth. Well done Simon. Oh the other video was good. and what a monster. Cracking mate.
I used to Pike fish a lot. I do most types of fishing slat water and fresh. Just fancied a go for a change 👍👍
Good video sir its something need to try bit more of pal was fishing lake of monteith at the weekend got one at 26 and half pounds some fish
Wow @26.5lbs, great fish! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great video, I use circle hooks too sometimes, what hooks do you use? I’ve found true circle hooks by Mustad the best as they have an inline gape.
Hey Rick, I used 5/0 inline circle hooks I bought at BassPro in Islamorada Florida Keys. I seem to remember they were BassPro's own brand, I have used the Mustad hooks as well for sea fishing and am sure they would work just as well for the Pike fishing. Glad you enjoyed the video. Got 3 great sea fishing videos coming up in then next month from my recent trip to Costa Rica. Hit the bell icon to see them and hope you have subscribed 😁👍
The day shelter, do you remember brand and model. That looks ideal for my needs
TFG day shelter, so quick to erect and take down 👍
why no links to day shelter!! great vid tho x
It was made by TFG but think they stopped making it a few years ago.
Awesome video, I love the circle hooks. What make/model is that shelter.
Hi Mister Wilson the shelter if a TFG day shelter, super quick to put up and take down. I think they may have stopped making them as I searched online and cant see them anymore which is a great shame. Circle hooks are the way forward for me.
Love the video, what size hooks do you use please? What make model is the day shelter please?
Hi Sweeney the shelter if a TFG day shelter, super quick to put up and take down. I think they may have stopped making them as I searched online and cant see them anymore which is a great shame. 5/0 in line circle hook is what I was using.
Nice one,i will be giving them a go this season,just out of intrest what make of hook are you using? New sub here too
Hi and thanks for subscribing 👍. I was using 5/0 Mustad inline circle hooks. Give them a go and see how you get on. Remember tighten into the run, don't strike. Also when mounting the hook make sure most of the bend and point are visible, you can even hair rig the bait which I guess would increase hook ups even more.
I've used circle hooks for the past couple of seasons,catfish pro size four barbless,I use shrink tube to help it turn as in carp rigs.i must admit it's hard not striking a run at first.i usually sweep the rod sideways nice and steady, sometimes I pull out(which I can live with) I've never deep hooked a fish and unhooking is unbelievably easy and a lot of the time the hook has fell out in the net.i personally think it's less stressful for the pike and that is all in bothered about every fish I catch is there to be caught by someone else,fad? Fashion?Maybe ,but it works and that's good enough for me👍
Do you think the hooking is better with shrink tube?
@@jamestheferret I just did it to try and make the hook turn in extra( hopefully) it's just back to my carping days I suppose.i feel it gives me a better hooking ratio but that's open to discussion
@@philclark6250 thanks, it's a mine field of information, freely able to move vs shrink tube (hook eye wise)
@@jamestheferret don't forget,you don't strike you sort of reel into the fish
@@philclark6250 so went pike fishing yesterday with size 6/0 circle hook live rainbow trout around 8" long with the hook just behind the dorsal. Three pike took the bait three pike on the bank, biggest was only 12lb 8oz but perfect hook hold in each fish. Trying not to strike was hard! Just wound down slowly until I connected and felt it set. I was with a friend who's actually the river bailiff on the trout fishery I was fishing, he took the piss loads about circle hooks until he saw me catch and the ease of Unhooking. Now he wants me to tie up a few traces for him haha
very nice and i formative video, thank you
That was a great video and you've given me some good confidence in circle hooks, Im not keen on trebles from presentation to Unhooking so this is a game changer
Hi James I have fished trebles for Pike for over 40 years and am going to be moving over to circles going forwards. I have heard people saying circle hook cause massive damage but this flies in the face of studies done in America where in a lot of states they are mandatory, specifically as they do less damage than J hooks and trebles. Makes unhooking easy and far quicker with little to no chance of gut hooking.
@@SLSFishing since leaving that comment I've had 4 pike to mid doubles in one day session and a morning session on circles, a livebait trout (6/7" long) hooked behind the dorsal, every pike has been perfectly hooked in the scissors and little to no damage and the live bait stays lively for AGES! Not going back to trebles again, I've also found that I don't get a kinked trace as it's never inside the jaws so I sharpen the hook and fish again, in fact all 4 fish were on the same trace and hook! Many thanks
@@jamestheferret that sounds perfect! What a great session. I am fishing in Mauritius for a few weeks then be doing some pike fishing so hopefully get some more videos on soon 👍👍👍
Great video, may I ask what day shelter you used please?
@arsenalfootballuk glad you liked it 👍 the shelter used to be made by TFG they called it the day shelter. Brilliant bit of kit. They no longer do it but a company called Westlake do the same one. Guess they bought the rights. Go to www.ultimateoutdoors and search Westlake Lc day shelter.
I pike alot mate the amount of time s you see circle hooks bein used wrong I leave the barb on only to stop the bait flying of
Great video, well put together and you’re good at what you do. What make etc is the shelter…?
Thanks Greg I appreciate your comments. The shelter is a TFG day shelter. I think they still make them but am not 100% sure. I got mine about 4 years ago.
Thanks very much
Great video circle hooks look like the way to go Cheers
I am definitely going to use them from now on, glad you liked the video👍
Hello which size the circle hooks thank you , good video
I was using 5/0 inline circle hooks. As these are the only ones I have tried and they worked perfectly I will stick with them. When hooking the bait be sure to expose as much of the hook as possible. I might try hair rigging them next time.
@@SLSFishing thank you so many
Great video, loving the circle hooks, will definitely give them a go. Quick question, loved the speed of the shelter you put up, what brand is it?
TF gear by Matt Hayes
Hi Neil I am going with circle hooks from now on, The shelter is a TFG day shelter, not sure if they still make it as its about 6 years old. Sure if they don't there is something similar available.
good morning Simon, what kind of brand in the day shelter ?
Hi it is called The Day Shelter and was made by a company called TFG. I think they may have stopped making it which is a real shame. Mine is 10 years old now and showing signs of its age.
Hi, I am just getting into pike bobber fishing and have a few questions. I will be using bluegill and perch in the 4 to 5 inch range for bait on a circle hook. Me and my son will cast out 4 rods. 2 of the rods are trolling rods with level wind reels and the other 2 rods have spinning reels on them. My question is: on the trolling rods with the level wind reels, am I supposed to cast bait out, put in free spool with bait clicker on in rod holder or don't have it in freespool? And on the rods with spinning reels on them, am I supposed to cast out and leave bail open or closed in the rod holder? Also how long after fish bites do I reel it in? Thanks
Hi I only ever use spinning reels for my pike fishing and rarely use a float (bobber). I have free spool setting on the reel which allows the fish to take the bait without feeling resistance. I like to tighten up to the fish within a few seconds of it picking up the bait. This usually results ina hook up. Hope that helps 👍👍
@SLSFishing where is the free spool setting on a spinning reel? Is it that switch that's on the bottom of the spinning reel which can make it reel backwards?
@@craigwagner327 you have to buy a specialist spinning reel with a fr spool facility something like PENN
Penn Spinfisher VI Live Liner Spinning Reels-SSVI4500LL
@@SLSFishing ok thanks
Great Vid. Been watching the Ginger Fisherman, and TA fishing. They also promote single circular hooks, and double VB Partridge hooks. Been using them for twitching, and wobbling sprats with great success for hooking them in the scissors; will try them for deadbaiting in the colder months ahead.
5/0 seems a huge hook, can I go smaller?
Hi and thanks for the kind comment 👍. I used the 5/0 circle hooks as I already had them for sea fishing in the USA. I feel they seem to work pretty well and cannot see a reason to go smaller. That said I have no experience using anything different size wise for Pike so you may well be able to. I am just aware that Pike have pretty big mouths (even a small Jack Pike) so probably wouldn't go much smaller myself, at least not for dead baits.
They do still make them but out of stock
Thankyou
Hello what size lead do you use? As not had great luck hooking up with between 3.5 -4 oz could have some thing todo with it I’ve heard
I use a small weight no more than 1.5 oz. Don't need anything heaveir as the weight of the bait alone is enough to cast a fair distance. Try it and see if it makes the difference 👍
@@SLSFishing yea the bait is always enough to cast but you will find you get drop backs, the fish will drag the weight with the bait if it’s too light to hold bottom, also you cannot keep the braid tight over a long distance say 60 yards on average, I lost a lot of fish last season due to the line having to pick the lead up first not being in direct contact with the hook and they usually bumped out of the mouth. When they use them hooks for big marlin and sword fish tuna they have a dead fish-live fish direct to the line no sinkers or float. I shall have a another go with a 2oz lead. I use a bait boat so casting is not an issue just being in direct contact with the bait over long distance
Change your rig so that the weight is on a 3 foot piece of line on a running ledger. When you catch you will be into the fish before the weight comes into play as long as the wire trace is 18”” or less. This has many advantages as you can use use a lower breaking strain line with a knot or two to weaken, if the weight gets snagged the ledger will break off and let you get the baited trace back.
@@Bo88y22 yea I know what ya saying, it does sound like a tangle already lower breaking strain wrapping round the trace, ideally the hooks are only good for short distance ideally under a float. If I get any short distance circumstances I might drop one on with a light weight but for big lakes and res, I lost 4-5 runs in row 1 day, you can still deep hook a fish with them as said multiple times online, they are just easier to unhook if hooked in a specific place the scissors, think well placed trebles on a bait with an instant strike never lost a fish, the only reason they drop of is a lack of tension on the line the weight usually unhooks them
After watching your vid I’m very keen to try circle hooks. Using trebles I always strike straight away as I’d rather lose a fish than deep hook it. So, when using circles when do you wind-down? How soon after the bait has been picked up? Great video by the way 😊
Hi Alan, glad you liked the video 👍👍 It was my first time with circles and each time I left it around 5 seconds from hearing the alarm to winding into it. Worked pretty well for me.
@@SLSFishing My experence with singles "j" hooks, is that pike take the bait more confidently than with trebles. I have moved to chunks of fish on a hair and hitting at the very first indication. Circles now purchased !
Had to subscribe
forgot to ask what size are the circle hooks you were using ?
5/0
make sure u use inline circle hooks
I only ever use in line, sea and freshwater 👍
Do you use offset hooks
Hi Robert I use inline circle hooks as they are meant to be safer for the fish. I believe offset circle hooks were designed for commercial long line fishing as the fish hook themselves.
Great video thanks
Thanks Clyde, glad you enjoyed it 👍👍
What make of shelter is it please
Its made by TFG called a day shelter, brilliant piece of kit. Not sure if they still make it, mine is around 5 years old.
Circle hooks all day long for me…nice1
Me to from now on 👍
Been using them for two years easy unhooking.
I am a bit late coming to circles but it's how I will go on from now. 👍
Circle hooks are superb, you may lose the odd fish with a big bait, but there is never a deep hooked fish always in the scissors, great for fish welfare.
I am happy to lose a few fish if it can avoid deep hooking 👍👍👍
@@SLSFishing You always think bad thoughts when you lose a fish, but if you haven't nicked them with the hook, 9 times out of 10 they come back again, caught about 40-50 Pike since October, all swam away strongly, convinced circle hooks are the way to go. Tight lines
Andy
Circle hooks seem to be the fashion year days so that pike are scissor hooked to aid unhooking. What anglers aren’t aware of is the fact that with scissor hooking, the wire can slip behind scissors and cause a “cheese wire” effect and subsequently the wire cuts into the scissors and causes damage. This can also happen when using treble hooks but the risk is minimal with treble hooks as hook holds are seldom in the scissors. Also, circles can cause “stitching”. Large circles can also cause fatal damage when swallowed. Best way to enhance easy hooking is to use barbless treble hooks or semi barbed hooks - a Dave Lumb lure weave mesh for your landing net will ensure trebles don’t get stuck in the net!👍
I am sure using any kind of hook causes damage. I have used circle hooks for sea fishing for 12 years, Pike only recently. In that time personally I have never had an instance of the flesh behind the scissors being ripped as you describe. In may fisheries in the USA you can only use circle hooks specifically on the grounds of fish safety. Treble hooks can cause fatality through being swallowed. You mention that trebles rarely hook in the scissors, yes because they more often hook in the mouth which also means there is a greater risk of hooking the very vital gills. I have caught thousands of Pike on trebles in my life and most are unharmed, but I have (like all Pike fishermen) had instances of deep hooking and damage to the gills, which may have resulted in the fish dying after release. I will continue using circle hooks and if I see they do more harm than good switch back to trebles.
@@SLSFishing I wasn’t having a pop at you directly mate. I’ve seen first hand with my own eyes the damage caused and I pulled off one water because it and if you haven’t had it happen, it’s only a matter of time and you’re playing Russian Roulette. Deep hooking is down to poor bite indication,inexperience or just plain ignorance of leaving bites to “develop” instead of striking . Used correctly, trebles pose no risk - if they did then there wouldn’t be any pike around today and they’ve been used for years!…..tight lines👍
I didnt think you were having a pop and neither was I. I do have to say deep hooking being about poor bite indication is not that simple, Pike sometimes swallow a bait very quickly others not, take a look at some of the underwater videos of Pike taking baits to see this. You say you have seen instances of Pike with ripped scissors, how can you say it was a circle hook that caused the rip? I have seen pike with two or three snap tackles in there throats, I don't think they do any good for the fish. Hooks of any description are dangerous to fish. So far I personally have found less damage with circles, if this changes I will revert back. But to pretend trebles have no risk is in itself ignorance? I have read a lot of reports on circle hooks being specifically designed for fish safety as I said, there are many such reports online. The great thing about our country is we can each have our own view and share it. Good luck with the fishing and tight lines to you to. 👍
@@SLSFishing as I said previously, I’ve seen the damage with my own eyes ie as fish were landed and netted. There were a group of anglers using circles and singles and as a result, a large majority of fish on this water had damage to their scissors - conclusive in itself that it was the circles and singles after witnessing it! With regards trebles being far more dangerous - why is it then that all the top pike anglers DON’T use circles and why don’t they and also tackle companies, promote circles? You don’t hear any of them promoting circles or see articles from them promoting circles for the very reasons I’ve mentioned - if they thought for one minute that circles were far safer then these well known ambassador to our sport would be doing all they can and promoting them on the basis of fish welfare!👍
What brand / product name is the bivvy?
Hi Paul its made by TFG and they called it the day shelter. I think they stopped making it as I cant find it online anymore. Seems a shame it that's the case because it takes about 30 seconds to erect and dismantle. I love mine.
That lead should really be tied on a weak link
Please explain why? if the mainline line breaks anywhere the lead is free running and immediately is dropped?
@@SLSFishing Well think of it like this.....The Lead on your rig is this most likely thing to snag. So rather than risk losing your baited rig after a snap off ie trying to free the lead. Why not just have a weak link lead then all you drop is your lead. Simple really no lost rig no massive line stretch .
I have fished this rig for many years without a problem, if it was a fish safety issue sure, but its not so I am very much if its not broke don; fix it. Not only that the waters I fish are pretty much snag free 👍
I think he means it is increasing your likelyhood of a mainline breakage, in which case it is a fish-safety issue because the trace would be left 'fishing' in this instance.
Having the weakest link between the lead and mainline will ensure you will only ever loose the lead, and not the baited trace.
Nice video btw. I enjoyed watching. I've often toyed with singles/trebles/circles and I am still yet to settle. I'm interested to know how you've gotten on since this video was uploaded? Have you stuck to the Circles? What were your findings?
Cheers! :)
I started using circles about 3 seasons ago. I'd say I failed to hook at least 75% of the fish that took my bait. I always lift into the pike rather than strike but even this didn't work. I stopped using them because I was missing too many fish.
I will have to see how I get on with them over a period of time. What size hooks were you using and did you just 'nick' the hook into the bait? Important to have most of the hook visible with circles.
'You don't strike' with circle hooks.........
Goes on to perform big theatrical strikes.
I tightened and leant back into the weight. If you think that is a strike I assume you are new to fishing.
I always get AMAZED At how awesome fishing can Get! I have just found your channel and It is just INCREDIBLE! We are currently trying to grow at the moment too and we absolutely LOVE FISHING! And we love survival and adventure! If you guys wanted to help support us that would be the Best :) Keep up the great content! :D and stay Fishing!
Hi and thanks for the comments, so glad you enjoyed the video, just hit the subcribe on your channel, I will give the videos a good look later. Good luck growing your channel 👍
Thanks so much! Keep up the great content!