rathrbefishn Posted September 21, 2020 Report Share Posted September 21, 2020 (edited) So was finally able to get the grandkids out fishing for the first time this year. 7 adn 4 years old. Summer has been crazy. Had an awesome couple of hours on a local lake- just works and bobbers. They are both casting well- some practice in my yard last week helped. In any case- small bluegills and one small bass- Any recommendation for a circle hook and suggested size? Too many of these little fish were hooked a bit deep with a #6 baitholder ( maybe it was a #8) and I'd like to avoid it next time.,,,,hopefully next weekend. The oldest said wasn't about catching fish it was about having fun. They said it was more fun than video games- Yeah! Edited September 21, 2020 by rathrbefishn PSeggs, MikeMc, Tedward and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philly Posted September 21, 2020 Report Share Posted September 21, 2020 I use circle hooks when I'm fishing live bait for bass. Usually a size 2 or size 4. For sunfish, especially small ones a size 6 or 8 should work. Brands, I don't have my catalogs near me, I do use Gamakatsu hooks, straight eye. Circle hooks won't necessarily solve the problem of the fish swallowing hooks. As I said I'll use circle hooks when I'm feeling lazy and decide use live bait with a slip bobber. If you wait to long to start reeling in there's a good chance the fish will swallow the hook. Then you just cut the line. If you've taught your grandkids to set the hook, you'll need to unteach them. More than likely they'll pull the hook out of the fish's mouth. Bobber goes under, just start reeling. Good Luck with the fishing. rathrbefishn and PSeggs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clbay1971 Posted September 21, 2020 Report Share Posted September 21, 2020 Tell you the truth l’ve never had any luck with circle hooks on panfish. They just don’t run with the bait to set the hook them self’s,I’m sure that you have seen them eat they chew and spit and a lot of times the bobber doesn’t move. Setting the hook like Rolland Martin like kids do!! Doesn’t work with circle’s. Sorry to say but barbless is probably your best option. rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennie Posted September 21, 2020 Report Share Posted September 21, 2020 #4 octopus,,,,,Walmaket hooks $1.19 or something,,,,,, , rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clbay1971 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 19 hours ago, bennie said: #4 octopus,,,,,Walmaket hooks $1.19 or something,,,,,, , If you can use a #4 to catch sunfish then I’m living in the wrong state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennie Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 2 hours ago, Clbay1971 said: If you can use a #4 to catch sunfish then I’m living in the wrong state. Hehe,,,, maybe I'm just crazy or maybe it doesn't matter what gear you're using,,,,,,,, Shhh....Now and Beastly Backlash 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ermghoti Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 They make tiny circles, the Owner Mosquito line go down to about 12 or something. I use a bit bigger with Powerbait for trout. I might try a itty bitty kahle on bluegills, they work spectacularly on winter flounder, which have a similar mouth structure and suicidal stupidity. FireWhatFire 1 Massachusetts EPO: 1-800-632-8075 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beastly Backlash Posted September 24, 2020 Report Share Posted September 24, 2020 Tiny circles are not the solution for bluegill. I suggest just a lot of hands on instruction so the kids learn when to set the hook. That and use size 8 Aberdeen's, the long shank helps. Lateral Line, Clbay1971 and rathrbefishn 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ftyer Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 I was going to suggest Owner’s Mosquito hooks too. Probably a size 8-10 would be just fine. Maybe pinch the barbs as well to make things easier for the kids and the fish. rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lateral Line Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 long shank, like said above. rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSRybak Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 could smash the barbs... rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireWhatFire Posted October 2, 2020 Report Share Posted October 2, 2020 Owner’s Mosquito hooks. rathrbefishn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetwater Posted October 17, 2020 Report Share Posted October 17, 2020 Carlisle hooks. The long shank allows you to thread more worm on and is longer than the depth of the fish's mouth. I use #4 if I want to cull smaller fish and 6 or 8 if I am ok with catching them (I sometimes use bream for bait). if the kids are casting pretty good, you can go to beetle spins, which don't get sucked down so far. I don't use inline spinners, which also work, much unless I change to a single hook. Single hooks definitely reduce hookups on those lures, though. I have become too old to drink bourbon on the rocks. I will still drink it in the parking lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seakarp Posted October 17, 2020 Report Share Posted October 17, 2020 On 9/25/2020 at 11:31 AM, JSRybak said: could smash the barbs... Yep, this. Crush the barbs and tell them to keep reeling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kid_just_wants_to_fish Posted October 20, 2020 Report Share Posted October 20, 2020 On 10/17/2020 at 5:13 PM, Seakarp said: Yep, this. Crush the barbs and tell them to keep reeling. circle hooks will be too hard. use a long shank for panfish thats what I use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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