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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 9:53:07 GMT -5
I was fishing on Saturday morning and had quite a few hits and runs, only brought 2 to the boat. I have been using 1/0 circle hooks on my down lines and 2 oz sinker, on a 4 ft flouro leader. The sinker is attached to a sinker clip so I can remove it when going to spot to spot on the lake and not have it bumping around. Does anyone have any suggestions to why the fish that ran didn't get hooked up. Maybe the circles aren't doing their job??? I am not "setting" the hook when I have a run, only reeling . Any ideas...should I chang to a normal hook or what, Use an eg sinker opposed to the weight I'm using. Also, I am using jumbo minnow and not shad. Thanks in advance.
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Post by mwardncsu on Sept 1, 2015 10:28:05 GMT -5
I use 1/0 Gamakatsu Octopus circles on my downlines - about 5-6' of leader typically from the weight/swivel to the hook. 4' leader would be OK and no reason the clip-weights should cause any issues that I can think of
When you say you have "runs" - what do you mean? With a downline you have the rod in the holder with the reel engaged and moderate drag - horizontal to the water surface - and let the rod load all the way up, bending down perhaps into the water, and then crank the reel a few times to let the circle hook find the corner of the mouth if it's not already done so - and then pull the rod from the holder and fight the fish to the boat.
How are you hooking the minnows? Through the mouth and out a nostril?
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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 11:52:35 GMT -5
Hooking the minnow through the nostril, an when I have runs I mean that the bait clicker is set on my reels. I'm using okuma magda 20 and Abu 6500c3. So are you saying that I want to not let the fish pick up and "run" with the bait and basically let it free line with the clicker on? i think I know what you are saying but hard to explain. One of those things that it's easier to show than to explain.
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Post by mwardncsu on Sept 1, 2015 11:57:14 GMT -5
Correct - at least that is how I do it - not to say there are not other ways.... I have the reel engaged - not in freeline w/ clicker..... usually with alewifes they are going to slurp it down and move on - not to say they won't come and slap / stun the bait first (which may account for the occasional dips of the rod before it truely loads up). Generally when downline fishing the fish hook themselves for me - but it's still good try try to not yank the rod out of the rod holder before cranking the reel a few times.... though I'm certainly guilty of grabbing it before cranking every now and again  |
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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 11:58:35 GMT -5
Also, are you using the octopus inline or the offset circle? Or does it matter?
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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 12:00:50 GMT -5
Haha, it's so hard not to Bill Dance the rod when one takes off with it!!  ? |
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Post by mwardncsu on Sept 1, 2015 12:01:10 GMT -5
I use the offset ones I think... not sure it matters..... hear the offset have a bit better hook-up ratio
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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 12:12:36 GMT -5
10-4....now I'm being picky, does it matter if the hook is black, stainless or red? And don't remember what size barrel swiv I've been using but it's been holding up pretty good for the size fish I've been using.
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Post by mwardncsu on Sept 1, 2015 12:16:15 GMT -5
10-4....now I'm being picky, does it matter if the hook is black, stainless or red? .  I expect there are lots of opinions on this but only the fish know for sure  |
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Post by fujimo on Sept 1, 2015 13:11:54 GMT -5
I always engage my reel and when the rod loads up he most of the time is already hooded when down lining and free lining
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Post by fujimo on Sept 1, 2015 13:34:21 GMT -5
I use either the red or the bronze hook over stainless because If a fish happens to break off the hook will desolve much quicker but I do like the gamakatzu hooks a lot ,and some times I like the 2/0 better especially if im on a little better fish
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Post by OnTheRocks on Sept 1, 2015 17:42:00 GMT -5
The ones I've been using are the black Gamakatsu 1/0. May switch to the 2/0 in October.
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Post by mississipi on Sept 2, 2015 10:27:03 GMT -5
I like a larger hook when using circles, usually 3/0. I don't use circle hooks on down rods but a lot of guys do and have success. My belief is the whole idea of using circle hooks is to not deep hook the fish. Very rarely do I get a deep hook fish on a downrod using Kahles. Freelines, float rigs, and split shot rigs are different. That is where I think the circle hooks shine. Everyone has their own idea though! Just a thought!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2015 10:51:25 GMT -5
Everyone has their own idea though! I do the exact opposite for the same reasons.... the circle hook shines on down lines.... there is more than enough pull back when the rod loads up on downlines to turn circle hooks into the corner of the mouth. Can't remember if I've ever deep hooked a downline fish with a circle hook.... had maybe a couple slide out the gill... but that has nothing to do with being a circle hook.... just happens planners and floats..... just the opposite for the above reasons..... J hooks all the way......tried circle hooks on floats and planners for a couple years, to many fish came unbuttoned for my liking.... just my .02 cents... i'm sure there will be more opinions on this..... |
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I expect there are lots of opinions on this but only the fish know for sure 
