Ordered my first multi-sized circle/octopus hook assortment from Amazon. My trip later this year I plan to switch away from J hooks and normal bait hooks ! Supposedly, I will increase my catch ratio for mullet, flounder and drum !! And - although I'm pretty good at removing hooks from a catch - this will further increase a fish being released without doomed to dying !!

So, any suggestions as to what size to use? Any better bait to use? Anything else ? I'll fish anytime of day/night that I can. I prefer to fish high tides - but have had success at low tide by finding a sand bar and using it as a path to deeper water.
THANKS !!

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In my opinion circle hooks have there place, but more in the world of Catch and Release. I'm not a big Surf fisherman but Circle/Octopus (there is a difference between them) are used more for fish that swallow bait not ones that nibble or play with your bait. A J hook will out fish a Circle on Mullet, Croaker, Spot. Personally I rarely use Js and prefer the Gold Beak Baitholder patterns with the smallest hook possible for the job. Sea Mullet, Blowfish, Spot, Croakers I use a 4 or 6 nothing bigger. I dont do big Drum, generally my Surf fishing is with grandkids now 12 to 16. But when they were 6 or so you had to catch fish to keep them interested. No long shanked hooks, not even for Flounder which is generally a bonus. I'm sure somebody will set you straight. I believe in, using tried and true methods. Leave one for me.

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Thanks, Pickle - I guess I'm not to old to learn from someone who knows! Sometimes you must learn the hard way !!

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Ordered my first multi-sized circle/octopus hook assortment from Amazon. My trip later this year I plan to switch away from J hooks and normal bait hooks ! Supposedly, I will increase my catch ratio for mullet, flounder and drum !! And - although I'm pretty good at removing hooks from a catch - this will further increase a fish being released without doomed to dying !!

So, any suggestions as to what size to use? Any better bait to use? Anything else ? I'll fish anytime of day/night that I can. I prefer to fish high tides - but have had success at low tide by finding a sand bar and using it as a path to deeper water.
THANKS !!

4/0 or 6/0 for puppy drum, 10/0 for big drum if you can find em. Typically cut a "ring" of fresh bait and run hook through the skin. Fresh mullet probably best/easiest to find bait, use the head for big hooks and bigger drum. I use multiple rods, one for pups and a heaver w/ a heavier sinker and bigger hook. I switched to circle hooks about 3 years ago and it suits my lazy way of fishing.

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I use nothing but circle hooks, as the fish hook themselves on them and I'm usually tending to multiple rods. You do not need to 'set' the hook with a circle hook, you just lift the rod tip and apply pressure and reel.

Size 2 for small toads, croakers, mullet, etc
1/0 is my general go to and will still catch toads, mullet, flounder, dogs, etc
2/0-4/0 for pups, small sharks, black drum, etc Even caught citation size pompano on a 4/0
8/0 - 10/0 for Old drum and other big boy fish

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I use nothing but circle hooks, as the fish hook themselves on them and I'm usually tending to multiple rods. You do not need to 'set' the hook with a circle hook, you just lift the rod tip and apply pressure and reel.

Size 2 for small toads, croakers, mullet, etc
1/0 is my general go to and will still catch toads, mullet, flounder, dogs, etc
2/0-4/0 for pups, small sharks, black drum, etc Even caught citation size pompano on a 4/0
8/0 - 10/0 for Old drum and other big boy fish

Most important point in the above quote is "You do not need to 'set' the hook". Setting the hook generally means losing the fish with a circle hook.

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Congratulations on your new assortment of multi-sized circle and octopus hooks! Switching from J hooks to these types is a great move, as they tend to increase your catch ratio and are more fish-friendly, leading to better survival rates upon release. For mullet, flounder, and drum, I recommend using circle hooks in the size range of 1/0 to 3/0, as these sizes are versatile and effective for these species. As for bait, mullet and drum respond well to cut bait such as shrimp, squid, or pieces of mullet, while flounder are often attracted to live bait like minnows or finger mullet. Additionally, using scented artificial baits can be effective for all three species. Since you prefer fishing during high tides but have also found success during low tides by targeting deeper water via sandbars, this strategy should continue to work well. Lastly, remember to match your hook size to the bait and the size of the fish you're targeting to ensure optimal performance.

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