When used to fish bait for striped bass, circle hooks have been proven to increase release-survival rates over J-hooks and treble hooks by decreasing the number of gut-hooked fish.
Using them seems like a no-brainer, but many anglers are hesitant, as they worry that the number of missed hooksets and lost fish will increase. Fortunately, circle hooks like the Trokar like the Lancet TK3, with its offset, wide gap design, get the job done seemingly every time
The Lancet TK3 uses surgical-sharpening technology and is incredibly strong. Sizes range from 1/0 to 9/0 and all are a black chrome color that resists corrosion. The offset angle and wide gap are designed to allow the hook to roll into the corner of the fish’s mouth, regardless of how deep the fish swallows the bait.
The relatively thick diameter of this hook adds strength and power. Although thinner diameter hooks generally allow for better penetration, the hook’s sharpness makes up for it. The hook point has three sides, allowing for three edges to cut like knives and penetrate with less force.
I’ve hooked dozens of fish on chunks and live bait with this hook, and not one fish was lost or gut-hooked! The fish could swallow and run with the bait for any amount of time before the reel was locked up for the fight, and the hook ended up firmly in the corner of the fish’s mouth every time. Hooksets are easy—once the fish takes the bait, close the bail and allow for the rod to load. The hook will set itself. Circle hooks are perfect for children and beginner anglers.
Trokar hooks are a premium product at the high end of the price range, but if your goal is to hook-up and stay tight to a striped bass—and have the option to release it to swim away healthy—the Trokar TK3 belongs in your tackle box.
this style hook is the only one I have been using since 2008 under daitchi, having a hard time finding them lately. called “circle chunk hooks”