What Is An Octopus Hook? (And When Should You Use One?)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Have you ever wondered what an octopus hook is?
You’re not alone.
(And no, they’re not meant for catching octopus with.)
Octopus hooks are made for a very specific reason and in this video, I’m going to explain what an octopus hook is and when the best time to use them is.
Ready to finally learn what an octopus hook is?
Watch the video below.
What Is An Octopus Hook? [VIDEO]
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Octopus hooks are like circle or j hooks, except that the eye is bent backwards.
This is so that if you’re snelling the hook, the line can go straight down to the backside of the shank.
However, the tip of the hook is at the same angle as the eye, so that even if you tie a knot directly to the eye, it will still effectively hook into a fish’s mouth.
Have any questions about octopus hooks, when they’re used, or any other types of hooks?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who’s unsure about what exactly octopus hooks are, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Tony, I often see combination combination octopus/circle hooks on the shelf. From your video am I to take away that this is a circle hook with an offset eye! What is the advantage/disadvantage to this arrangement. Thank you in advance!
Hey Michael!
Yes there are octopus circle hooks, and regular octopus hooks (non circle, more of a J hook).
Both have the offset bent eye, but you want to treat them differently based on the style (circle or J). Circle hooks don’t require a hook set but more of a pull unlike j hooks where you want to set the hook with a sharp snap back of the rod. Some species/regions require circle hooks legally, so if you’re looking to smell a circle hook the octopus style would be a better option.
I love offset eye hooks for live bait fishing. The traditional snell knot is the strongest knot there is for tying a hook to your line. It’s diifficult to master though.
Definitely a strong knot!
WHY is it called “octopus”?!
Not sure! Perhaps with the eye of the hook being in the position that it is sort of resembles how the head of an octopus is sort of leaned back. Just my thoughts haha
Tony,
What are you feelings about red circle or octopus hooks?
Thanks,
Joe
Hey Lila!
I haven’t really tried using any red hooks. It makes sense though that they could help imitate blood or injury which can draw attention and/or blend in with cut bait.
Maryland Chesapeake Bay, you can only use non offset circle hooks. Would I get in trouble for using a non offset octopus circle hook?
I believe as long as it is an inline circle hook you should be fine. The only difference with an octopus hook is the eye of the hook is curved back, but they are still inline circle hooks with a true 90 degree hook point. I would definitely check with someone local though.
I really like octopus hooks byI really like octopus hooks But when I use them on pilcher and hook through the nose the hook point comes back and sometimes hooks itself into the fish so when I get the bite the point of the hook is not exposed and I don’t get a hookup. Can you advise me on what to do. Life’s good Tim
Hey Tim!
The way you are fishing the bait could be the factor here. If you are using an octopus hook that is a j-hook and are not actively fishing the live bait (rod in hand at all times tending to the line) the bait may bounce around in current and get itself hooked. If you are just letting the live bait sit I would recommend using a small circle hook (1/0 or 2/0)
It’s all in how you originally tied the hook onto the line. This will ensure if you get a good hook set it not. Refresh your knowledge in hoe to tie a proper snell knot (YT vids).
Tony, I use this type hook for sheepshead fishing, believing I get a better hookset when vertical fishing. Would you agree?
Hey Forest!
I haven’t tried them for sheepshead, but I will definitely try it out!
Tony, I use this type hook for sheepshead fishing, believing I get a better hookset when vertical fishing. Would you agree?
What about some applications for the octopus hook?
Hey Rick! It tends to be a popular hook for live bait. It is also an ideal hook to use a snell knot, and have multiple hooks snelled in a line if needed.