CTFishTalk.com: hook question - Connecticut Ice Fishing ( CT Ice Fishing ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

BeersNBass · Joined: 23 Apr 2013 Posts: 80 Location: New Britain CT

Just getting into ice fishing this year. What do people use mostly with their live baits on tip ups. Circle hooks or the traditional snell style live bait hook. Just curious what's most effective/pros and cons of each. Thanks in advance

Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

I use the traditional live minnow hook. People targeting pike with bigger and dead bait are more bound to use circle hooks.

perfect hook set · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Danbury

I have a variety of hooks, including those you mentioned.

Dont cheap out on hooks. The sharper / more durable the better.

It really depends on what fish you will be fishing for.
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Cd662 · Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Posts: 91

I use a traditional snell hook. I think for bait sitting in the water for long periods of time with freshwater fish, it doesn't make a difference if its a snelled or circle hook, but that's just my opinion. I think reading what direction the line is going in and setting the hook well, along with maintaining good pressure on the fish while you fight it, is the key to getting them in.

For live bait I use store bought shiners and mummichogs for tip ups. I like to hook them shallow through the back. They maintain a lot of swimming action this way and will live for hours if you don't hook them too low.