Hook selection for kayak

[fishstick11]

I wanted to know what hook I should go with if I go trolling with a kayak or is that an all together stupid idea... I was thinking a circle hook

[rustyfish]

Depends what how big of fish you are after.  I would not tightline a locked reel in a kayak for big cats, its just asking for trouble.   I'm not sure about  getting the steady firm application of pressure that you want for a circle hook in the kayak.  I could be wrong about that but you just cant get much torque out of a yak.   

I use Gama Octopus (not circle) hooks,  sharp and strong.  I can give them one hard hit and I'm hooked up.  This is just my way of looking at it but I will admit that I have never been a big fan of circle hooks.  You will just have to try it out and see what happens.

But if you are after channels and you have strong flush mount rod holders then just lock your reel and pull the circle hooks.  Let the fish do the work.  The momentum of you trolling and the the cat pulling down should be perfect for the use of circles.  I dont know if I would trust surface mounted holders or not, you may loose them and the rod.

[fishstick11]

I made some pole holders... I have a 6500... And 7000s so I have clickers... I was thinking octopus hooks.... With my 6500 c3 with clicker.... I wanted to try trolling and my friend had kayaks to fish out of.... I just want a channel or a flathead if I'm lucky... Out of a kayak with a 6500 I can handle any size fish with enough time, and also it has 65 pound power pro so I just want a fish

[Seanstone]

I honestly think running circle hooks from a yak will be fine Russ. Our jon boat wasnt much different than the yaks....when a rid started to load you could feel the boat move..... and it did fine. Fishstick If your anchored just make sure its a well placed anchor that will hold and circle hooks will load up fine. A good anchor is going to be key.

If your trolling id go with a circle hook only if your baits are being drug behind your yak. As Russ said the momentum will help drive the hook. If you get a big one you might go from foward at 1.5 mph to backward at 3mph. If your just dropping baits vertically id go with a j hook. For some reason I have had problems in our jon boat with using circle hooks in verticle presentations....the j hook seemed to help. The only way to know what works for you is to just get out and do it. Youll find what you prefer.


If your trolling youd do better to leave the reels engaged.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using proboards

[fishstick11]

That you guys a lot.... I will have to try to troll with circles next time I get out with my friend