I�m using a circle hook on a medium action spinning rod, with 20# braid and a 15# mono leader, fishing verticle in boat slips 35 to 40 feet deep. Am using fresh dead shad for bait.

I caught one nice eater channel today with the rod in a rod holder, bait on bottom, using a number 2/0 circle hook. Instead of the hook being in the side of the mouth, it was down in its mouth or throat. I cut it off rather than try to remove a deep hook. Should I be using larger hooks, say a size 4/0?

I'd start with 5/0 for a circle hook for eaters. I've caught a 12" channel on a 10/0 before. I normally fish with 7/0.

For channels, a 5/0 circle hook sounds large, but I asked because I do not know and need help. I will follow your advice Jerry. Thanks.

With circle hooks, you have to size the bait to fit the hook.
Eater size channels have a small mouth and a 5/0 or slightly larger is about the right size.
Key is you don't want the bait so big that it completely fills the gap of the hook, and prevents the hook from catching the side of the mouth of the catfish.

Makes sense Jimbo, thank you sir.

"Circle Hooks For Catfish: 3 Mistakes That Cost You Fish"
https://www.catfishedge.com/circle-hooks-catfish-mistakes/

But I prefer traditional slightly unbent J-hooks 1-2/0 for small shad baits.

Good video!
Circle hooks aren't a one size fits all hook, and why they make different sizes.
If I'm looking for pan size eater catfish, a 5 or 7/0 is a good size hook, and just make sure when you hook your bait it doesn't fill the gap.
I do snell my circle hooks as mentioned in the video.

I prefer 7/0-8/0, they will catch just about anything. Team Catfish makes some really nice wide gap circle hooks. The wide gap helps expose alot of hook using cut bait.