Seal Of Approval

WHILE THERE’S NO ARGUING THE FACT BALLYHOO are the most versatile and effective natural offerings for enticing pelagic game fish, there is some contention regarding the most effective rigging styles and methods. Opportunely, the best mates can make dead ballyhoo swim as if they were alive and are able to evolve and improve their rigging techniques as competitive fisheries around the world merit the need for such impressive innovations.

For a hook that was once much maligned, circle-hooks are now fully accepted, sometimes required, and highly regarded across the cockpits of game boats worldwide. Whether pitching baits to juvenile blue marlin in Costa Rica, sailfish in Stuart or white marlin in the Dominican Republic, circle-hooks are widely used and decidedly popular across many international and domestic fisheries. Law or not, the proper use of circle-hooks comes with many benefits for fish and fishermen.

Since their introduction to the offshore scene in 2011 when NMFS mandated the use of non offset circle-hooks when rigging natural baits for billfish tournaments, there have been numerous improvements to the approach. The barrel swivel rig was once a top choice, but requires a hook with outside diameter that’s perfectly matched to the specific swivel to be used.