lobsterman

I got a response after emailing FWC on the topic of non-offset circle hooks and asked them specifically about Mustad Ultrapoint and they didn't answer my question exactly. Here is their response.

Mr. Cook,

Thank you for your inquiry to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management.

As you know, the new rules for state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will require all commercial fishers and recreational anglers fishing for any Gulf reef fish species to use circle hooks, dehooking devices and venting tools. These new rules will become effective on June 1, 2008 in all waters of the Gulf of Mexico and affect all reef fish species including groupers, snappers, amberjacks, triggerfish, porgies, sea bass, hogfish, and tilefish.

There is a slight difference in regulations regarding circle hooks between state waters (out to 9 miles) and federal waters. Effective June 1, 2008, regulations will require the use of non-offset circle hooks when using natural bait to fish for reef fish in Florida State waters. Federal regulations just require any type of circle hook. Though it is usually better for enforcement and compliance, sometimes regulations between state and federal agencies differ. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been promoting non-offset circle hooks for many years now and we felt we did not want to step back from that conservation message. Non-offset circle hooks have been shown in scientific studies to embed in the fish?s gut less frequently than offset circle hooks. In general, the smaller the degree of angle of the hook, the less likely the hook will be deeply embedded. The intent of these new regulations pertaining to circle hooks is to increase the likelihood that reef fish that are released will have a better chance of survival if released properly. FWC law enforcement officers will be taking an educational approach for a few months after the regulations take effect. If you have a circle hook that is 1/64? offset, you could take a pair of pliers and straighten it out, just like you would crimp down the barb. For more information, please visit our New Reef Fish Gear Rules webpage at (http://www.myfwc.com/marine/GearRules/index.htm).

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Tuna Man

I guess they spelled it out right here...:banghead

"If you have a circle hook that is 1/64? offset, you could take a pair of pliers and straighten it out, just like you would crimp down the barb."

I guess barbless means NO barb and a NON-offset hook means NO-OFFSET. 1/64" isn't much.

bonita dan

I sure hope the hook manufacturers will include thatoffset thing on the packages for easy selection.oke

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Elbow Room
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P-cola_Native

This is f%$#@ ridiculous. I thought all of my hooks were legal (Lazer Sharps), but I guess not.

captken

Gonna make fishing for Triggerfish a serious pain in the butt.

What about trolling lures of Grouper? Circle trebles?---Naaah, I don't think so.

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Captken
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fishaholic

Trolling lures is not a natural bait, so the trebles are legal.

Death From Above

I'llbuy allyou got for.50 a pack/box?

lobsterman

Here is their new response to the Demon Circle Hooks.

Mr. Cook,

If the Mustad Ultrapoint Demon Circle Hook is non-stainless and the point is not offset, but is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a general circular or oval shape, then it is allowable gear. Non-offset hooks are in one plane; therefore if you were to cut off the eye of the hook and lay the hook on a flat surface, it would lay flat without any gap between the hook and surface. I highly recommend that you contact Mustad to verify that their Ultrapoint Demon circle hooks meet these specifications.

I hope this assists with your inquiry. Please contact us if you require additional information.

__________________
AKA Jiggin Junkie
II Chronicles 7:14

Randy's Canvas & Marine Vinyls

850-279-4140
850-855-5314 cell

Custom Awnings - Repairs
Boat Cushions - Curtains and more

Tuna Man

:banghead:banghead:banghead They called me to get clarification..

legalhookin

hey fishaholic, just giving from my experinces, i've been having great luck with the triggers using circle hooks, my 4yr old is murdering them. only complant is i was breaking alot of hooks on removal. bought some of thosemustad "demon" hooks the other day. there alot stronger looking. been using #2 hooks for the triggs. my boy uses #8 octopus circle on his 4300 pen and ugly stick combo......he's a MURDER!!!! hehe. good luck. the demon hooks i just looked at again.. they have some ofset also.....