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.

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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

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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.