Circle hook

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A Circle hook is a type of fishing hook which is sharply curved back in a circular shape. It has become widely popular among anglers in recent years because it hooks fish at a much higher percentage and rarely is swallowed by a fish (causing the hook to set in the gills or vital organs) and thus greatly decreases the mortality rates of released fish.

The science behind a circle hook revolves around the fact that its unique shape allows it to only hook onto an exposed surface, which in the case of a fish means the corner of its mouth. The fish takes the baited hook and swallows it. As you reel in, the hook is safely pulled out of the fish without until it reaches the mouth. At this point it will catche the corner of the mouth of the fish. The result is fewer gut-hooked fish.

In terms of technique, it is important to not strike when the fish bites, but rather just reel in. The act of striking while using a circle hook often results in the hook being pulled out of the fish altogether.