Hey guys.
If you were targeting Channel cats 10lbs and up what size circle hook would you use.
I use 5/0 VMC Octopus Circle hooks in all seasons except the winter. That size is selected because it fits the bait, which is normally a shad head or gut. In the winter, I use 8/0 to 10/0 sizes simply because I target much larger fish with much larger baits, some up to 1/2 pound.
I use cut bait most of the time. My bait size is usually 1" X 1.5"
Is this to big.
A 5 pound catfish can easily swallow a 6" long bait. Do not be afraid to use a large bait. If there is anything to learn here, it is that the FRESHNESS of the bait is the ultimate test. If the bait does not bleed, it is no longer fresh.
What is the proper use of a circle hook.
The most common mistake made with the circle hook is hook placement in the bait. Place the hook through an edge or through the eyes of a bait, leaving the majority of the hook exposed. Do not hook the bait twice... the hook must be exposed in order to turn in the fish's mouth and find the corner of the jaw where the majority of hookups occur.
I have caught a few fish on them but i have lost a ton more. I never set the hook and they still get off.
I usaully set my rod in a holder with the bait clicker on and the reel in free spool. When the fish start to run I will start to reel.
You've almost got it right. Use a strong rod holder. Set the drag for the rod and line strength, and lock the reel so that the line will not freespool. Turn on the baitclicker and you're ready to go. When the fish picks up the bait, he will make a run against the resistance of the rod, setting the hook in his own jaw. The rod will be bent down and jerking with the run of the fish. Do not pick up the rod until it is "loaded up" with pressure from the fish. At that point, simply reel the fish in.
It is important to have the drag set properly to allow the fish to pull line and click the clicker. Otherwise, your rod or line could be broken.
Should I give the handle a crank after a good run and let the rod load up really good or should I fish tight line and let the rod load up?
Do I let him keep tugging until I am sure he is on for good?
If the rod is loaded up, you got him. If you tug or try to jerk andset the hook, you could rip the hook out of the fish and lose it.
To set the drag properly, first, look at your rod. There will be a pound-test recommendation from the mfg printed on the rod above the handle. To protect your rod, use line that fits the rod. Using line too strong could cause rod breakage and void a warranty.
Calculate the drag setting for your line by multiplying the recommended line test by .50 or 50% If your line is a 30 pound test, the calculated drag setting is 15 pounds.
Get a 5 gallon bucket with a handle and place it on a bathroom scales. Add water to the calculated drag setting. Now, with the line strung from the reel through all of the line guides, tie it to the handle of the bucket. Lift the rod at a 45 degree angle, bending the rod. Set the drag at the point where the bucket is just lifted free of the ground. When the full weight of the bucket is on the rod and line, the drag should be slipping slowly.
Once the drag is set, do not allow anyone to adjust it. With the drag properly set, the largest fish you've ever caught can be whipped and brought to net if you take your time and do not horse the fish in.
Let the fish pull line... it wears him down. Reel line in when the fish allows you to. Do not reel against the drag if it is letting line out... it will only cause line to be twisted.
Sorry for all the ???'s
Never be ashamed to ask a question. Your question may be one that others are interested in too. It gives me a chance to show my stuff and advertize my service at the same time!:smile2:
It took me over 40 years to learn how to fish... Let me shorten your learning curve!
maka
