If you are using live or dead bait I think that you should use a circle (or kahle or octopus). The hook up ratio is very good and maybe 1 out of 20 swallow it. Most times it is in the corner of the mouth or lips.
A huge plus to circle hooks is if you use light tackle, the leader will not be in the fish's mouth when you are fighting them. I catch a lot of good-sized catfish, striper, and drum on a 6lb fluorocarbon leader when using live or cut shad. If they swallow it the leader will be all scuffed up, but when hooked in the corner of the mouth the leader is perfect.
You don't need a very big hook either, Number 1 works good for threadfin on light tackle, but I do use 8/0 for skipjack on heavy tackle. So as usual, just balance your line, hook, and bait.
Jim
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