Is there any laws that say a peron has to use a certain style hook? Why is it all the boats that ive been on offshore use circle hooks? Im thinking of bringing my own rig on my next trip out which will be on the 27th of this month and im gearing up for it now. I ask becouse I feel like I lost alot of fish the last few times I went out becouse of the circle hooks and im haveing thoughts of useing the old fasion reagluar hooks on my next trip out and see what happens. Please fill me in couse its ovious I dont know. Thank you.

I just looked at the Texas parks and wildlife website and the only thing I could find is that it states its unlawful to use any kind of hook except a circle hook on red snapper.

If you go over 9 nm from land, you are in Federal waters. Federal regs read:

Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required, along with venting tools and dehooking devices when angling for reef fish, because they reduce mortality on released fish.

Reef fish are defined as all snapper, Hogfish,Gray Triggerfish, both greater and lesser Amberjack, Banded Rudderfish, tilefish and all groupers.

If you aren't fishing in Federal waters or for red snapper in state waters, then use any hook you want, otherwise use circles. BTW, using circles you have to fish differently. Most missed fish are because people try to set the hook with a circle hook. That's a no-no. You have to let the fish set the hook.

Federal regs can be found here:

http://www.gulfcouncil.org/Beta/GMFMCWeb...d%209-28-12.pdf

I did not like the circles at first, but after using them for a while and getting accustomed to the technique, I like them better. I have even converted to circles for much of my freshwater bait fishing.

I too didn't like circle hooks when I first started using them but with a little practice I grew to love them and use them a LOT now days in both salt and freshwater. The whole trick to them is to not set the hook just start reeling when you get tight.

In my experience its a lot harder for a fish to throw a circle hook. I'm not an expert or anything but I have 100% confidence in them. I bring my own gear on headboats and I bring my own circle hooks.

Circle hooks are the way to go. #2 for Trout, Reds and Flounder and anything else in the bays. Don't attempt to set the hook at first. Wait till you feel the wieght of the fish. Then a short stout hook set. Also the best way to increase your hook up ratio is to snell tie your hooks. They allign much better snelled.

Circle hooks are easier to remove too, just 'twist' them out of the fish's mouth!

Yep. I started using circles way before they were required. USe the right size (which is dictacted by bait size, not the target specicies size). I use the Mustad 39950 or Eagle claw Lazer 2004. I ahve landed big ling and AJ on the 3/0 (tiny size) and beeliners on 7/0.

unless they are in a sharks jaw

circles are safer for the fish because the fish can literally swallow the hook and still not become gut-hooked. they have to hit the corner of the fishs mouth with gentle tension to turn in and set properly. this is why you can set the hook like you would on a bass ( by trying to rip his lip off! )...