What size circle hooks should I be using and how long of a leader? I had a big bite yesterday with good pressure on the rod but it pulled out. Didn't jerk, just put pressure on the rod and maintained it. Also, I had heavy slime about 3' up the line, is this a pretty good indicator of the length of the fish?

My hooks are 5/0 and 8/0 with three to four foot leaders. I like to use a med to med/hvy rod with a good flexible tip so it can load up and set the circle hooks. Stiff rods that are like a broom handle don't work as well in my opinion. The slime doesn't always indicate the size of the fish because I've caught small fish that slimed up the entire leader, it is more a good indication that there is bluecat a in the area that you are fishing. Sounds like you had a fish that just came off.

It just happens a lot some days no matter the hook size.
Johnny

I like 8/0 9/0 10/0.

I use 8/0 with normal size baits and 10/0 if using over size baits.

18 to 24 inch leader with a cork about six inches from the hook.

36" leader, 2oz slinky weight, 2" cork, 8/0 circle hook... Missing fish drifting is gunna happen, but typically you get more bites covering more water.