Fishing for catfish involves the use of specific gear. You could attempt catching catfish with any conventional hook, but it’s unlikely to be successful. Catfish have thicker and more powerful mouths than other fish.
There are a variety of options accessible. Depending on the type of catfish you’re after, the best option will be chosen.
Fish hooks have been around for about 22,000 years. The first hooks were made from seashells, bones, and horns. Iron and bronze became popular materials as humans mastered the art of metallurgy. You’ll need to know about some of the most basic hook designs available to catch catfish.
| AT A GLANCE: |
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| 1. Our Top Pick: JSHANMEI Circle 2X Strong Hooks |
| 2. Best Overall: Mustad UltraPoint Demon Wide Gap |
| 3. Best Value: JL Sport Shaddock Fishing Octopus Hooks |
It is vital to choose the best catfish hook; otherwise, you will lose the battle while fishing. When selecting the best catfishing hook, you must first determine the suitable size, but you must also consider durability, sharpness, and of course, type. We’ll talk about circle hooks in this situation.
The most common is the circle hook. They are the most frequently used and preferred catfish hooks, particularly among professional catfish fishermen.
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Choosing a Circle Hook?
Size
The circle hook size is critical since it helps you catch a variety of catfish sizes. You’ll need a big or little hook based on the scale of the fish.
Material and Construction
Catfishing circle hooks come in a range of composites and metals these days. Stainless steel circle hooks are the most popular due to their durability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
High-carbon steel circle hooks are even stronger, but they are also more costly. Since gold is an excellent corrosion barrier, gold-plated circle hooks are available. Nickel-plated circle hooks are also becoming more popular due to their increased resistance and affordable price.
Durability
It’s essential to verify a circle hook’s durability because if it cracks, you’ll be so disappointed that your fishing experience will be cut short.
Sharpness
To catch a large catfish, you’ll need a sharp circle hook. These species put up a good struggle when caught on the hook. The catfish will pull your circle hook out of the water if it isn’t sharp enough. Based on how many occasions your hook has been utilized, you might not even need to sharpen it.
Gamakatsu Octopus Circle 4X Strong Hook
Gamakatsu has proven to be a fisherman’s best friend every year, and its hooks are noted for their consistent quality. With needle-sharp points and nearly indestructible sturdiness, the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle 4X Strong Hooks are no exception. These hooks have a straight eye that works well with simple knots.
It’s designed to handle larger fish and heavier lines. Unfortunately, Gamakatsu does not make hooks in sizes larger than 7/0, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you need an 8/0 or 10/0. A 6/0, on the other hand, is large enough to catch the vast majority of catfish and is suitable for eating-size fish.
This product’s pricing is reasonable in comparison to its quality, making it one of the greatest options on the market for catching a catfish.
Pros
- It has a one-of-a-kind tempering process that allows us to make a hook that is extremely strong and long-lasting.
- These hooks are made of high carbon steel for additional strength.
- It comes in a 25-hook pack.
- This product’s conical needle is sharp right out of the package and stays that way.
Cons
- It does not have sizes larger than 7/0.
Mustad UltraPoint Demon Wide Gap
Mustad is a trusted company in hooks since many fishermen have enjoyed their products over the years. The Mustad UltraPoint Demon Wide Gap is one of the best options for catching catfish.
It comes in a range of sizes and comes in packs of 4, 6, 10, 25, or 100 hooks. These hooks are strong and razor-sharp.
They have what it takes to puncture obstinate jaws and maintain their grip. Because hooks come in sizes ranging from 4/0 to 10/0, you may adapt them to fit the fish you’re targeting and the lures you have on hand. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these hooks have a straight eye.
Pros
- They have a razor-sharp edge.
- The circle hook ensures the hook hits the mouth’s corner, allowing for faster hook removal and more captures.
- This fishing hook has the best connection percentages due to its huge gap.
- It’s used to catch marlin, tuna, swordfish, alligator gar, sunfish, sailfish sharks, amberjack, permit, bonito, bluegill, striped bass, skipjack, panfish, wahoo, or halibut, in addition to catfish.
- These hooks are lighter and up to 20% stronger.
Cons
- Despite the fact that these hooks can be utilized for a wide range of fish, their thin construction makes them unsuitable for all of them.
Catfish Sumo Heavyweight Catfish Hooks
This type of hook is ideal, especially if you are going to catch trophy-size catfish, whether they are monster flatheads or something else. In this case, the heavyweight catfish hook gives you what you need, particularly thanks to the fact that it comes in two sizes: 8/0 and 10/0.
One of the reasons many fishermen lose their prey is because of their hooks. In this case, this product is made of forged steel with a sharp point to ensure that your catfish will not escape once you catch it.
In addition, this hook is designed so that your line and knot are protected, and you can fight a huge catfish without any problem. You can also pull out from a snag with confidence.
Pros
- Your line and knot will be protected.
- You will not lose catfish easily.
- This product consists of a package with 25 pieces.
- It is ideal for catching large catfish.
Cons
- There are no sizes smaller than 8/0.
JSHANMEI Circle 2X Strong Hooks
Circle hooks are particularly effective because of their barbed hook, offset tip, and capability to hook the animal without killing it. It has a closed eye and a variety of qualities that help keep the catfish on the hook, making it a highly effective catfish element.
The box has 150 hooks separated into six sections, each with 25 hooks in sizes #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0, which are good catfishing sizes. They’re made of high-carbon steel, which makes them not only strong but also corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- They are corrosion-resistant.
- These hooks have a razor-sharp edge.
- They come in a box with 150 pieces of various sizes.
- Small and large catfish can easily penetrate, thanks to the sharpened hook and unusual barbed design.
- They’re made of tough high-carbon steel hooks that don’t bend easily and prevent catfish from escaping.
Cons
- They’re not the most effective hooks for catching huge catfish.
Yogayet Offset Fishing Hooks
It’s a pair of circle hooks with a razor-sharp edge. They are corrosion-resistant since they are made of high-carbon steel. These octopus circle hooks have a closed eye, a short shank, an offset tip, and a distinctive barb.
This product has a low rate of fatalities. These hooks’ characteristic circular bend and swept-back eye design help them catch more fish. These hooks are ideal for saltwater boat fishing. Offset Fishing Hooks by Yogayet are exceptionally sturdy, as well as well-designed, and sharp.
Pros
- They’re long-lasting and razor-sharp.
- They are available in a variety of sizes.
- Their design features a prominent circular curvature.
- They’re made of high-carbon steel and are resistant to corrosion.
Cons
- To avoid a hook from breaking, it must be used to catch a catfish of the appropriate size.
JL Sport Shaddock Fishing Octopus Hooks
Shaddock Fishing Octopus Hooks are sport circle hooks that are popular among anglers and professionals all over the world. Black high carbon steel is used to make these hooks. Each package has 160 pieces and is available in two colors: black anodized, and red.
These hooks are razor-sharp, forceful, trustworthy, and long-lasting. They can also be used to catch a variety of species, as they are freshwater and saltwater compatible.
Fishers will profit from the hooks’ practical design, which will allow them to catch more fish. They’re made of high-carbon steel that contains a lot of carbon. As a consequence, impurity is kept to a minimum.
Pros
- They’re suitable for both saltwater and freshwater.
- They come in a pack of 160 pieces in various sizes.
- They are razor-sharp, long-lasting, and reliable.
- These hooks are made of high-carbon steel, which means they’ll be tough and corrosion-resistant.
Cons
- Not recommended for really large catfish.
- They’re useless for ice fishing.
Facikono Circle Hooks
Facikono Circle Hooks are very effective in both freshwater and saltwater for fishing, not only catfish but also trout, bass, salmon, walleye, and perch.
It should be noted that this product consists of 180 pieces distributed in 6 sizes in a box. The distribution is as follows: 50 pieces for both sizes 1/0 and 2/0 and 20 pieces for sizes 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, and 6/0. In addition, the package includes 5 fishing clips which are made of stainless steel and are designed for easier lures, leaders changing, and rigs.
The offset point and inward bending hook tip help hook the catfish in the mouth or lip. The fishing hooks are sturdy and tough, thanks to the high-quality steel used in their manufacture.
Pros
- They are great for freshwater and saltwater.
- They are made of stainless steel, so they are considered tough and solid.
- You can catch fish of different sizes thanks to the 6 sizes that this product offers.
- It brings 180 pieces so you can enjoy your fishing without having to repurchase hooks for a long time.
- It comes with 5 versatile fishing clips made of stainless steel.
Cons
- They could bend if you use them for other types of fish.
UCEC Circle Hooks
These extremely sharp hooks are designed to roll in the corner of the fish’s mouth, reducing fish mortality. They’re great for freshwater, but they might not be as good in saltwater because they can bend and get damaged. Channel catfish, flathead catfish bass, blue catfish, trout, walleye, sunfish, and salmon can all be caught with these hooks.
For freshwater fishing, these circle hooks are composed of high carbon steel, which has a high resistance to corrosion and strength. Keep in mind that you will receive 150 pieces with this purchase, which will be spread in the following sizes: # 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, and 8/0.
The eye of the circle hook is obviously precisely curved into a beautiful round smooth circle, while the shaft gradually curves into the necessary bends and forms to make catching a fish a breeze, and the barb is expertly crafted.
Pros
- They have made of premium quality materials.
- This product comes with a package of 150 pieces distributed in an excellent variety of sizes.
- They are excellent for freshwater fishing.
- These hooks feature a unique design.
- You can not only use them to catch catfish but also other types of fish.
Cons
- They can double if you use them to catch fish of another type and of a size greater than they can support.
- Many anglers claim that these hooks will be damaged in saltwater.
Best Catfish Circle Hooks FAQ
Is the Circle Hook the Best to Use?
The most effective option is to use a circle hook. This is because you’ll need a hook size that matches the size of the fish you’re targeting as well as the type of bait you’ll be using.
When fishing giant catfish, you’ll also need a hook that can retain the fish without falling off. Treble hooks are also a nice option.
Besides the Circle Hooks, What Others Can We Consider?
Another great option that you can choose when catching catfish is the treble hook. However, other varieties may be of interest to you, depending on your requirements. The Kahle hook is popular among channel and blue catfish anglers.
O’Shaughnessy hooks are suitable for all types of catfish and are known for their durability. Last but not least, J hooks are ideal for cut and live baits.
What’s the Better Option to Bait a Circle Hook for Catfish?
Catfish are not choosy eaters when it comes to food. They are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide range of things, from plants to small fish. That does not mean that you will have an easy job capturing them. Worms, shrimp, shads, herrings, stale chicken, stink bait, and other catfish-attracting baits have all been proven to work.
Is It Possible for a Catfish to Survive with a Circle Hook?
The catfish might be able to survive if the circle hook isn’t swallowed entirely. To prevent damaging the fish’s lips and mouth, pull the hook out gently and carefully. Suppose the hook is swallowed any farther, cut the line, and free the catfish.
This is how it will have the highest chance of surviving. Trying to pull a deep hook out could result in more internal bleeding, so it’s best to avoid it.
To Catch a Catfish, How Deep Should My Circle Hook Be?
Professional fishers keep records of the depths at which they’ve captured catfish on a regular basis. This allows us to rapidly determine the best depth limit for catfishing. In lakes, a depth of 4.5 to 6 m is optimum.
The depth at which catfish can be located is influenced by water temperature. With all of this in consideration, you may estimate how deep your circle hook should be dipped.
Do Tournament Anglers Use Circle Hooks?
Tournament anglers have mostly abandoned J-hooks in favor of circle hooks, and there are various reasons for this.
To begin with, it takes years, if not decades, for giant catfish to grow to their complete and big size. To ensure the sport’s future, an increasing number of anglers, particularly those on the tournament circuit, are doing everything they can to prevent fish mortality.
When catfish grab and swallow the bait, traditional J-hooks frequently result in deep, fatal stomach hooks. As the catfish grapples with the lure, circle hooks self-hook in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
However, that isn’t the only reason why the professionals have switched to circle hooks. These types of hooks lock up better than J-hooks when appropriately sized and constructed.