b'Feature So, when using circle hooks for cut, dead or live baits, you must resist the urge to forcibly set the hook and only exert steady pressure.the line can certainly help get their confidence up. The only drawback with letting a fish run 5-10m with the bait is that a smaller fish will have longer to swallow the bait and hook. Its best to fish with 7/0 hooks and if you are letting fish run with the bait, consider 8/0 sized hooks. This helps reduce gut-hooking fish and avoid certain mortality.If you are letting fish run and you still cant hook them, its 99% likely that they are too small to hook rather than having a higher IQ than you so dont worry about it - they are saving you a job by not hooking themselves. It can mean the bait-The strike - depending on the hookripping and stealing activity may style, line type, method (bait or lure)entice larger fish to your location in and species, there are subtle changes in strategy that mean more fish in the bin. time so be patient, this can work in your favour. If the big fish, see the little ones arent suffering any harm When bait fishing with circles,the water, e.g. 60m+. This could beit will give them confidence to rush steadily lift the rod - this is notwhen you are deep water driftingin and take their share of the prize.always easy as most anglers grew upor surfcasting. Surfcasters use long practising catching sprats and have14ft+ rods and the extra lengthTEFLON HOOKSlearnt you have to react quickly tomeans a lot of line is pulled throughBlack Magic have numerous styles get your fish. Sometimes it is eventhe arc of the strike to counter theof hook that are highly effective simpler when bait fishing to simplywave currents and swell putting afor bait fishing in both the circle put the rod in the rod holder and letbow in the line. Fishing braid makesand J styles. It wasnt that long ago the fish hook itself. Its funny howit easier as braid doesnt stretch andthat they brought out a Teflon-the rod holder can out fish peopleis more responsive when striking. coated hook called a DX Point when circle hooks are deployed. Bait fishing with J hooks canhook. These are very sharp, rust The next consideration is whatrequire some variation in approachresistant and have a wicked point line you are using: braid or mono.to setting the hook. Sometimesdesign, as instead of the usual cone When using J hooks and mono, thethe fish are not in a smash-and- shape it has cutting edges to enable stretch in the line can mean yougrab kind of mood and will gentlybetter penetration. Their KLT style have to be extra vicious and havemouth the bait before moving offrecurve hook is a circle design and cat-like reflexes to consistently setor deciding if it is safe to chew theis also strong for its weight and the hook especially if you are fishingbait. Letting the fish move off withTeflon coated to resist rust and aid in situations with a lot of line inthe bait or releasing any pressure onpenetration when setting the hook.24FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE'