Offset your circle hooks for better hook ups.

The design of the hook itself, when used properly, prevents fish from being hooked in the gut. Many anglers have a problem using these hooks because they require no hook set. If you do try to set the hook, it will generally come out of the mouth of the fish with out hooking up. These hooks are designed to move to the corner of the fish's mouth and set themselves as the fish swims away from you. Anglers feel a bite and simply begin reeling, slowly at first, then faster as the hook gets set.
CIRCLE HOOK TIP: Off setting the hook point from the hook shank will often result in less frustration and better hook ups. Using a pair of pliers, grasp the hook belly or round section firmly being sure not to damage the point and twist the hooks shank slightly to form the off set. Try this the next time you you find your self struggling to get the fish to hook up, this will change the game.

[SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment 24epchef, it means alot to me.

[tspoonnation]

Bout time somebody shed the light! Awesome tip Steve, im fixin to head to the garage and bend those hooks!

[acezns]

As always Steve great video, Not alot of great catfishermen would take the time to show the people that are just getting into catfishing or the ones thats been doing it for years and not producing big catfish things that would help. Im one of the ones that been doing it for years but not knowing how to get the big ones. We need more people like you with the knowledge and know how to keep making the effort to school folks on the right way to do things. Again thanks and keep making great videos.

[SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

i like to fish in light rain, fish seem to bite well when it rains

[BlackWaterMafia]

I just wanted to tell you thanks for your informative videos, they have helped me out a lot this year I fish on the ohio river mostly, but also in lakes around here. Your tips have taught me alot, and have helped me land more fish, many thanks buddy!

[davidmeyersick]

I agree. But which direction should the offset be???

[XK]

If you need a demo of the "reel down" technique check out teamcatfish videos they use it for their double action hooks. I use Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks in the 6/0 and 8/0 sizes, man they're just deadly. Gamakatsu used to make an offset treble that was unbeatable for punch baits, unfortunately I am almost out of them. Great video, need to tell my buddy about your series, he's just learning.

[arthurjoyce]

I gotta say thanks for the offset tip works well for me on catfish in the Arkansas river.

[TaylorStickley]

Hey can you post a video of the actually process from bite to catch? We're trying the offset circle hooks but I think we may just be either too impatient or the cats we're fishing aren't as big. Would be nice to see how long you wait etc. Thanks! :)

[mtri]

i gotta say thaks for the offset tip works well for me on striped bass in the sf. bay area

[MikeLee-qdyi]

Why do that, when you can buy off set hooks everywhere?

[Private_Jefe]

ever sense I watch this video I've been more successful with my hook set. thank you so much!

[Gabespc]

thanks steve for the tip!! your stuff is great i follow and use your tips from here and USCA..great video!!

[TheRednecktrucker]

thank u for the great vids watched this vid earlier then went fishing used the tip and caught a 20 pound blue.btw what pound mono do u think i should use

[compa_choo]

Makes sense now why i havent been able to hook anything with Berkley circle hooks but anytime i get a bite with my catmaxx or team catfish hooks its a guaranteed hook up

[hikenmikes]

Don’t offset if you’re going to let them run with open-spool or bait-clicker, because you have a much higher chance of gut-hooking. If your reel is locked down, off-set circlehooks are fine because you’ll generally lip hook them before they have a chance to swallow the bait.

[waysidemike]

where is the skip jack this year, can t find alot ???? any info

[kendude]

Is it really necessary to snell a new circle hook? I was thinking of just tying a Palomar knot on the hook directly to my line. Your thoughts?

[SmokinKatt]

Resisting that urge to yank the pole when you get a bite is hard. But I'm getting used to it. Love using circle hooks, until it's time to remove them. I have a heck of a time getting them out of them cats mouths.

[MrDaryboy]

Does anyone have a good recomendation on size of circle hook for chanel cats? Weight range usually from 3 to 20 pounds. I am just starting to use circle hooks and have heard that they need to be a few sizes bigger becasue the gap needs to be large enough. I use a 4/0 or 5/0 with the Kahle and its about perfect.