Circle Hooks
Circle Hooks Save Fish!
Did you know...
• Recreational anglers in Massachusetts catch and release millions of fish each year!
• Sometimes fish die from their hook wounds after they are released back into the ocean.
• Circle hooks can help lower the number of these deaths by 50%!
Using Circle Hooks
When using live bait, turn the hook through soft flesh or bridle the bait to the hook.
For cut-bait, rotate the piece completely onto the hook to ensure it doesn’t fall off.
When the fish takes the bait, be patient and don’t set the hook.
Calmly reel the line tight and the hook will do all the work.
What species benefit from Circle Hooks?
Fish that eat by inhaling their food are good candidates for circle hooks.
Examples include:
• Striped Bass
hook size: 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, 10/0
• Black Sea Bass
hook size: 4/0, 5/0, 6/0
• Tuna Species
be sure the gap on the hook you select is large enough to fit around the lip of your target fish
Coastwide Rule for 2023
- Striped bass anglers must use in-line circle hooks when targeting striped bass if using bait: any marine or aquatic organism, live or dead, whole or parts thereof.
- Visit www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for more information.
