Circle Hooks: The Best Hook Style for Bottom Fishing

Circle hooks are designed with a unique curve that causes the point to turn back toward the shank, making them highly effective in ensuring solid, secure hooksets, usually right in the corner of the fish's mouth. This design drastically reduces the chances of deep hooking, which is especially important for catch-and-release practices and for preserving non-target species. Using circle hooks while fishing for halibut and other Alaska bottom fish offers numerous benefits for anglers and the environment.

One of the primary advantages of circle hooks in Alaska bottom fishing is their ability to increase catch rates while minimizing harm to the fish. When fishing for species like halibut, lingcod, and rockfish, circle hooks rarely lodge in the throat or stomach, and fish released after being caught have a much higher chance of survival. This is crucial for maintaining healthy populations in our Alaskan fisheries, where sustainability is a top priority.

Most bottom fishing guests prefer circle hooks because they also prevent bait theft. Their shape holds natural baits, such as herring or squid, more securely during long bottom sets in strong currents or when targeting aggressive feeders. This efficiency saves time and bait, especially when targeting deep-dwelling species like halibut in 200–400 feet of water. Most guests find it a little disheartening to pull up their baitless hooks from such depths. Indeed, when a halibut grabs the bait and swims away, circle hooks simplify the hooking process. Anglers don’t need to "set the hook" with a sharp jerk; just reeling in slowly applies pressure to the fish, allowing the hook to embed in the jaw naturally. This is especially helpful for novice anglers and all clients aboard our Boardwalk charter fleet.

Boardwalk Lodge is proud to provide our guests with the best conservation-minded fishing equipment. We believe Circle hooks contribute to ethical angling by aligning with best practices that support fishery sustainability. Alaska is not the only state to recommend their use; Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina all require their use while sportfishing with bait.