It has become widely used among anglers in recent years because the hook generally catches more fish and is rarely swallowed.

[3] Since the circle hook catches the fish on the lips at the corner of its mouth, it usually decreases the mortality rates of released fish as compared to J-hook (like O'Shaughnessy or Octopus hooks) which are often swallowed by the fish, causing damage to the gills or vital organs.

At this point it will catch the corner of the mouth, resulting in fewer gut-hooked fish.

It is important not to perform a traditional hookset when a fish bites; rather, just begin reeling in.

Circle hooks have a circular bend, a medium-length shank, and a sharp inward-facing point.