Circles For Sockeye

After several holiday blogposts, it’s time to get back to talking about fishing. Here we go…

The Birth of a Movement

In 2011, forward thinking Francis Estallila was in search of a better, safer way to fish for sockeye salmon on the Kenai River. The problem with this fishery has been the ratio of legally caught fish hooked in the mouth to fish snagged some where other than the mouth. Not only is it traumatic for a fish that is fouled hook, it can be for an angler as well (wait for the photo at the end of the post).

Historically, sockeye anglers use a traditional “J” hook and employ the “Kenai Rip” or “Kenai Jerk” technique. Francis thought why not switch out the more lethal “J” hook for the friendlier circle “C” hook? 

The results were remarkable. In a week of fishing, Francis and his friends caught nearly two hundred sockeye salmon. Zero were snagged. Zero. That’s game changing.

Since this watershed moment, Francis has shared his experience on social media platforms, print media, and also by talking to one angler at a time on the banks of the Kenai River. He’s been generous with his time/knowledge and has given people circle hooks to try.

I became a believer when I spent an afternoon fishing with Francis on a gravel bar. I made the switch and have encouraged the use of circle hooks to anyone who will listen.

Seeing Is Believing  

Seeing it in action with your own eyes is the best proof of the efficacy of circle hooks for sockeye. Tundra Toad, who was inspired by Francis, has put together an informative video for all to see. 

Safety

Besides being a better way to fish for sockeye salmon, circle hooks are much safer for the anglers who use them.

Here’s a little story about the safety aspect of using a circle hook.

I had a large group of sockeye anglers and needed the assistance of another guide to handle them all. Half of the group had my fly rods with circle hooks, the other half used the other guides fly rods with “J” hooks. There was a young, rambunctious boy in the group who couldn’t sit still. At one point he wildly jerked his rod and the sinker and hook flew back and hit him in the face.

The other guide saw this, jumped up and yelled, “he’s got a hook in his face!” and ran towards him (as did I).  When he got to him he could see the sinkers and hook were lying on the ground, nowhere in his body. 

The guide looked at the hook and said, “that alone is a good enough reason to use a circle hook”. The curve back point design of a circle hook had prevented a serious injury.

This Kenai angler didn’t use a circle hook. What an unfortunate way to end a day on the water. It could have been prevented if he only made the switch.

In Conclusion

Here’s a bit of advice. Finding circle hooks in our local tackle stores are nearly impossible. They just don’t carry them. You’re much better off ordering them online. The 2/0 Gamakatsu Nautilus circle hook is my first choice. My second is the Mustad 2/0 or 3/0 Demon Perfect Inline circle hook. 

Buy a few extras and share them with others.