[RiZzLiTo]

i use mainly circles . they work good . but i was wondering if using a swivel and leader (or just 1 or the other) could cause u to lose some fish? is better to just tie the line to the hook? thx.

 

[bluejay]

If your using snap swivels that is probably the problem. Thinking about the ones on the ends of the steel leaders.

 

[LaBlueHunter]

the only time i generally use circles is either fishing under a bobber or in the gulf with a slip rig wheres theres no resistance on the hook til he bows the rod i dont much care for them on bottom have missed to many fish with them cause i always have a bait clicker on

 

[RiZzLiTo]

what hooks do most prefer on bottom?

 

[LaBlueHunter]

gamagatsu octapuss 5/0-6/0 when i use circles under a cork i use 8/0-10/0

 

[RiZzLiTo]

i have gama oct circles and think i might need to just use oct without the circles. i like to try different techniques . theres always something new to learn . thanks to all for ur wisdom.:highfive:

 

[LaBlueHunter]

when theres a resistance from say a float circles are the only way to go but other then that i just dont like um of course i only fish from the bank if u fish from a boat the circles may be ok

 

[RiZzLiTo]

i mainly just been fishing lakes from the bank. i have missed a few fish using circles on bottom. i also use these team catfish double action hooks that seem to work. but my setup is bead, bullet sinker,(1 oz) bead, barrel swivel ,2 leaders 1 12" the other 6" , then 2 hooks (only if fishing with cut bait).

 

[backwoodsman68geric]

We're old fashioned and still use J-hooks. Those Tru Turn catfish stainless hooks work good but we cant get big sizes around here 2/0 and 3/0 are the biggest Ive seen here. We dont use a leader per se. We slide the egg sinker on tie on a barrel swivel and pull 1'-2' of line between the two, cut it and tie the other end of the swivel and the hook on. Snap swivels will/can cost you fish. Slip sinker rig on the bottom we'll use a no.1 or 1/0 to a 5 or 6/0 depending on whats our target. Eating bullheads no.1 to a 2/0. Bigger flats 4/0, biggest flats maybe even 8/0 to 10/0.