Excitement And Then Disappointment

[Kayser]

There is a method of removing a hook from the gullet, but I've only used it on largemouth and catfish- things with big mouths. It involves passing the eye of the hook (and some line) through the gills so that the hook faces backwards, and then grabbing the bend of the hook to pull it out- the only resistance is the barb. The fish have stayed alive on a stringer or in a livewell with no signs of keeling over. Until the knife comes, that is.

But this is killing me- I'm dying for some fall river fishing.

Rob

[TroutRinger]

There is a method of removing a hook from the gullet, but I've only used it on largemouth and catfish- things with big mouths. It involves passing the eye of the hook (and some line) through the gills so that the hook faces backwards, and then grabbing the bend of the hook to pull it out- the only resistance is the barb. The fish have stayed alive on a stringer or in a livewell with no signs of keeling over. Until the knife comes, that is.

But this is killing me- I'm dying for some fall river fishing.

Rob

I've heard that too. I guess you have to make a judgement call based on the time and damage it takes to do that verse leaving it in.

Although, like you hinted at, it would be easier on a largemouth given the greater amount of space to work with.

[Tim Smith]

I've been experimenting with circle hooks for my son - he's been nailing Sunfish and the occasional Bass with Power Bait and Gulp! under a float. Works really well. I haven't tried them for use with soft plastics - but I will. I haven't hooked a fish deeply with soft stick - but I have with tubes.

I've used circle hooks for bottom fishing and I like them for that. I'd be curious how to make them work on a moving soft bait. The hydrodynamics look bad even if the hooksets are safer.

[Justin Spencer]

I used circle hooks trolling, and bottom fishing with live bait in the ocean and the key is to let the fish hook itself, which it will do if you don't try and set the hook. Just light pressure forces the hook into the side of the mouth, if you try to jerk it will come right out. I have wondered if they would work with smaller hooks for fly fishing, but they don't seem to make many.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It is amazing just how tough fish can be. Earlier this summer, I caught a bass that had a ripped gill. At some time in its life someone, I would assume, caught the fish and must have hooked it under one of the gills as can happen. I would also assume that in trying to remove the hook, they must have ripped the gill. It was ripped from the bottom end. The end that was ripped looked to be completly healed over and looked very healthy.

If I would have done this to this fish, which I haven't done since I was very young, I would have guaranteed that this would have been a death sentence. I was amazed at how healthy the gill looked. And I guess still doing its job for the fish. So don't fret over this too much. I'm sure she'll be ok.

[Smalliebigs]

No need to get depressed! She will probably make it. When you witness first hand the abuse from poachers, it will put things into perspective for you. Your mishap is small in comparison.

You got that right Mitch.....one gut hooked fish every now and then is nothing compared to the freaks in Missouri that rape our rivers every day. Fish all the soft plastics you want and do it guilt free.

[joeD]

You did nothing wrong Glory (except get your picture taken with Dee Snyder). It was the fault of the fish. Instead of eating your Senko like a normal fish, she decided to smother it with her ample undercarriage, the dumb hoosier. That's why you hooked her in the stomach. It happens. There is no fault. Carry on.

PS: I don't think circle hooks would be effective if used with plastic baits like Senkos and flukes.

PSS: If you didn't see it go belly up, then, why assume it'll die? Instead, assume it will live. Either scenario is plausible. So go with the positive one.

[RSBreth]

PS: I don't think circle hooks would be effective if used with plastic baits like Senkos and flukes.

If they are going to try to swallow it, I don't know why one type plastic would be better or worse than another?

[Tim Smith]

If they are going to try to swallow it, I don't know why one type plastic would be better or worse than another?

Yes, but unless you're whacky rigging, how does a circle hook work with plastics? Seems they would look and fish really awkward and its hard to imagine how the hook up would work (athough I confess the hook-up/hook sets for circle hooks still mystify me a bit...it's hard to see how they work even though they obviously do).

What does a plastic rigged circle hook look like?

It would be great if you could use them for this, but how would it work?

[MOsmallies]

Yes, but unless you're whacky rigging, how does a circle hook work with plastics? Seems they would look and fish really awkward and its hard to imagine how the hook up would work (athough I confess the hook-up/hook sets for circle hooks still mystify me a bit...it's hard to see how they work even though they obviously do).

What does a plastic rigged circle hook look like?

It would be great if you could use them for this, but how would it work?

I've never tried it myself, but I have heard of several people who nose hook flukes and senkos. Just a thought.