Slip bobbers and circle hooks

I’m curious whether or not anyone has ever used circle hooks with slip bobber set-ups? They have worked well for me with spinner rigs and othe live bait rigs. Wondering if having a circle hook tied, hanging vertically below a slip, would effect the hook set in a negative or positive way?

Thanks again to all of the wonderful exchange of info!

Jim W

Jim,

I don’t think it’d be much different. My biggest issue is getting the right hook that will do the job correctly. I custom formed some circle hooks to experiment with and I’m hoping I’ll have less hook ups inside the fish. Provided the shape of the barb is correct to the application, I think vertical won’t matter much. The hook digs in from movement of the fish as the hook reaches the mouth. Therefore, up……….down……or sideways should still hook up somewhere on the lip. What brands have you used Jim? I’ve done well with larger Vanadium and Owner but had some deep hooks from Gamakatsu #8’s. I have to experiment with some 6, 4, and 2’s to round out my efforts.

I did this on Tetonka last summer. The walleyes I was catching were not very big, about a pound and to two pounds. All of the circle hook slip-bobber rigs that I used got swallowed by these fish, and all were gut hooked. Four in a row. Now, admittedly I did let then have it a bit too long. So, I went to Walleye Willospoons. This got rid of the problem of cutting off the circle hooks and releasing a fish with a hook inside it. Which I am not real keen about. Hawger

I like the Gamagatsu(sp?) #4 and #6’s. I would have to say Owners are a fine hook as well! However a little spendy! Well, I think I’ll just have to experiment, willing a fish bites!! Thanks for the info guys!!

Nothing like Fall fishing! Take care!

Keep the rods bendin’!!!

Jim W