Circle Hooks

Corner-of-Mouth Hookset Design

Inward bend angle of 8–12° relative to the shank. The point rides along the jaw until it reaches the corner — then rotates and locks. No striking required: steady pressure is enough. Standard in conservation-mandated fisheries and European carp waters.

Default coating: Bright Tin — 150h ASTM B117. All five coating technologies available on request.

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Wire Material
High-carbon steel, 75-85HRC

Size Range
#10 – 10/0

Bend Angle
8–12° inward

Technical Specifications

Product Line

Model	Eye	Wire Gauge	Gap Width	Sizes	Best For
9999	Straight Eye	Standard (0.45–1.2 mm Ø)	Wide	#10 – 5/0	Carp, pike, general freshwater
9998	Ringed Eye	Heavy (0.65–1.6 mm Ø)	Medium-wide	#4 – 8/0	Catfish, sea bass, heavy carp
Killer	Straight Eye	Extra Heavy (1.0–2.2 mm Ø)	Wide	#2 – 10/0	Tuna, shark, billfish, heavy saltwater

How It Works

Why Circle Hooks Hook the Corner

Inward-Bent Point — 8–12° Geometry

The point tip is bent inward at 8–12° relative to the shank axis. When a fish takes the bait and moves away, the hook slides forward inside the mouth — the point cannot engage tissue until it reaches the jaw corner, where the bend geometry causes the hook to rotate and set. Unlike J-hooks, the angler does not strike: steady rod pressure or the fish's own movement completes the hookset.

▸ 8–12° inward point angle — rides tissue without snagging
▸ Rotation at jaw corner sets the hook without striking
▸ Reported >90% corner-of-mouth placement in catch-and-release studies

Three Wire Gauges — One Geometry

All three models use the same circle hook geometry — inward-bent point, wide gape — but scale the wire diameter and overall dimensions. 9999 uses standard-gauge wire for freshwater species. 9998 steps up to a thicker wire with a ringed eye for freer-running rigs and stronger fish. Killer Hook uses extra-heavy wire for large pelagic species where hook straightening is a risk.

▸ 9999 — 0.45–1.2 mm wire, general freshwater and light salt
▸ 9998 — 0.65–1.6 mm wire, ringed eye for running rigs
▸ Killer — 1.0–2.2 mm wire, straight eye, large pelagic species

Micro Barb & Barbless Options

Micro barb standard on all circle models — reduced barb profile releases faster while keeping bait and fish on during the fight. Barbless variants available for waters with total barbless rules. Both options maintain the same 8–12° inward bend geometry.

▸ Micro barb — holds bait during cast, easy hook removal
▸ Barbless — for venues with mandatory barbless rules
▸ All coatings REACH compliant for EU import

Gallery

Product Images

FAQ

Common Questions

How do circle hooks reduce deep hooking?

The inward-bent point (8–12°) prevents the hook point from engaging tissue inside the throat or gut. As the fish moves away, the hook slides forward until the point reaches the jaw corner — only then does the bend geometry cause rotation and penetration. This passive mechanism means the hook cannot set anywhere except the mouth corner. Field studies on catch-and-release fisheries report >90% corner-of-mouth placement with circle hooks versus 40–60% for J-hooks.

Which circle hook size for European carp?

For European carp up to 15 kg, size #4 to #2 in model 9999 or 9998 are commonly used. Match hook size to bait size, not fish size — the gape must remain clear of the bait for the hook to rotate freely. A 20 mm boilie typically pairs with a #2 or #1 circle hook. For larger carp or snaggy venues, bump up to 1/0 in the heavier 9998 model.

What's the difference between 9999 and 9998?

Both use the same circle hook geometry. The 9999 has a straight eye and standard wire gauge (0.45–1.2 mm Ø depending on size), suitable for general freshwater use. The 9998 has a ringed eye — allowing the hook to slide freely on a running rig — and heavier wire (0.65–1.6 mm Ø), better suited for catfish, sea bass, and larger carp where hook straightening is a concern.

Do I need to strike with circle hooks?

No — and striking works against the hook design. A sharp strike pulls the hook out of the fish's mouth before the point reaches the jaw corner. Use steady, increasing pressure instead: either tighten the line smoothly or let the fish hook itself against the rod. Anglers accustomed to J-hooks typically adapt within a session or two.

Start a Project

Circle Hooks — Start a Project

Custom sizes from #10 to 10/0. Private label packaging. MOQ from 500 pcs per pattern.

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