YIKA Fishing Hooks

A circle hook is a type of fishing hook designed with a unique shape that curves in a complete circle, or nearly so. The main characteristic of a circle hook is its rounded bend and the way the point is turned back towards the shank at a 90-degree angle. This design is intended to reduce the likelihood of gut-hooking fish and improve catch-and-release survival rates.

When a fish takes the bait on a circle hook, it tends to hook itself as it moves away. The hook typically catches the fish in the corner of the mouth rather than deep in the throat or stomach. This not only makes unhooking easier but also less stressful for the fish, which is particularly important for conservation-minded anglers and in fisheries where catch-and-release practices are encouraged.

Circle hooks are used in various types of fishing, including freshwater and saltwater angling, as well as in commercial fishing applications. They are often favored for targeting species like striped bass, Catfish, tuna, and billfish, among others. In some regions, their use may be mandatory for certain types of fishing to protect vulnerable species.