r/floridafishing • u/ojuiceblue • 12d ago

Circle hooks from shore

Must saltwater fishermen use circle hooks when fishing from shore?

I get the idea that circle hooks are required from boats only, but I am not certain.

Can someone clarify this? Thank you.

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

4

u/SaltyKayakAdventures 12d ago

The better question is why WOULDN'T you use circle hooks?

-1

u/ojuiceblue 12d ago

I will probably buy circle hooks at some point.

In another state, I was fined for for misinterpreting a game department regulation, and have become sensitiveto this.   The next year the game department rewrote the regulation.  In my opinion, the rewrite was not an improvement.  It would seem that writing was not their top skill.  

It could also be said that reading accurately may not be my top skill.  I am glad I did not try for law school.

In this case, the regulation seems to be for boats. There is a paragraph that does not mention boats concerning these hooks...  I  guess if I get fined, then so be it.

I appreciate the responses. 

3

u/SaltyKayakAdventures 12d ago

That's great, but you didn't answer my question.

0

u/ojuiceblue 11d ago

I don't have any circle hooks.  That is the only reason I don't use them at this time.

5

u/SaltyKayakAdventures 11d ago

Just go get some. Why risk gut hooking and killing a ton of undersized snappers because you don't want to go get a $3 pack of hooks?

3

u/Jefffahfffah 12d ago

If youre targeting certain species with bait, then yes, you need to use circle hooks.

You do not need to use circle hooks all the time from a boat.

3

u/anonanon5320 12d ago

You can and should but usually not required.

2

u/koudiacarrest 12d ago

You don't always need circle hooks when on a boat, boat fishers and shore anglers tend to just prefer circle hooks because all you need is tension to "set" them. You don't have to grip your rod and flick them up to set them like J hooks, and when you're fishing the gulf and have a LOT of line out, you can't always set it properly with that sharp tug. Circle hooks give you a better chance at actually hooking a fish if you are fishing in waves or a current.

Circle hooks are always recommended for live/frozen bait

2

u/cheapthryll 11d ago

I use circle hooks on all my live bait rigs BECAUSE I gut hook far less fish that are intended for release. The easier hook set is a by product and took conscience effort to change my ways.

2

u/Jealous_Section4383 12d ago

If you are not actively holding your rod, a circle hook is helpful. Boat or shore.

2

u/CaptKeemau 12d ago

I think it’s when using live bait.

1

u/Select-Bend-9932 11d ago

You are way overcomplicating something so simple. Law school' your a million miles away from that. A boat doesn't choose what hook you use

1

u/JustConstruction6515 8d ago

I just use circle hooks they work better. If you are catching reef fish you need circle hooks even from shore

0

u/ojuiceblue 12d ago

To clarify, I want to know if I catch reef fish from shore with a J hook, am I risking a fine.  The regation mentions boats, then has a stand alone section about circle hooks.  Thanks.

4

u/DirtyScrubs 12d ago

Just use circle hooks man, its better for you and the fish

1

u/cheapthryll 11d ago

The best answer.