So I have been reading some articles that mentioned using a split ring with circle hooks. Has anyone had any experience with using split rings with circle hooks for reds or trout? Any advice welcome.

Thanks!

Not sure. I've never heard that. Are you talking about stringing a ring to your line and then attaching the hook to the ring? Sounds to me as if it could be a needless thing that might break. But what do I know?

Yeah it would be attached to the hook and the line. It is supposed to make the bait have more action and enables the circle hook to hook up easier.

I use this setup for big blue catfish in my local lakes, and a buddy I know in CA uses welded ring circle hooks for big yellowfin tuna. The basic idea is that the hook is able to pivot freely on the split ring & makes it easier to set correctly in the jaw or corner of the mouth. Also makes it harder for the fish to lever the hook out when it bites down.

Seems like this would be useful for redfish, but dunno about trout, as I've not fished for them much.