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Circle hooks can help sharks survive after release

OCEAN CITY -- With the 31st annual Ocean City Shark Tournament less than a month away, we've been getting a few questions from anglers about some of the new rules that will be in place this year. Some are about the requirement that all teams use single, non-offset circle hooks on all their shark rigs. The decision to implement this rule was based time on testing that has proven the circle hook design to be the best tool for hooking sharks while helping to ensure the survival of any that are released. They're good for the fisherman and they're good for the fish, so requiring their use was a no-brainer.

Since many offshore fishermen don't do much shark fishing when they're not involved in a tournament, it's understandable that some are a bit behind the curve in updating their shark tackle and techniques. Modern sharking has come a long way from the early days of balloons, chain leaders, and huge J-hooks, but some folks are spooked by the thought of straying from techniques they've had success with in the past. It was that way when circle hooks were introduced into the tuna-chunking fishery, as it was when anglers were required to use them in billfish tournaments. A lot of anglers squeaked at first, but they realized the hooks proved more effective than the J-hooks they used in the past.

I started using circle hooks for sharks about seven years ago. A few thousand sharks later, I wouldn't switch back to J-hooks for anything. Since circle hooks usually take hold in the corner of a fish's jaw rather than in its throat or stomach, they are much less likely to cause life-threatening injuries to fish that are released. Since most recreationally caught sharks are released, this benefit alone makes them an idea tool for shark fishing. But sharkers will find that the benefits of using circle hooks goes beyond helping minimize post-release mortality.

The thick and fleshy fold of tough skin in the corner of a shark's mouth makes an ideal location for a circle hook to set and hold, with little threat that the hook might pull out while the fish is being fought on the line. Even if the hook doesn't latch over the jaw itself, it will grab the outside fold, which provides a strong enough hold for the hook.

The use of circle hooks for sharks means that anglers no longer need to fish with their reels in free-spool or give the fish a drop-back when it picks up a bait. No-stretch braided line can be used, but it's no longer needed to assist in the hook setting because the hook will find its way to the corner of the mouth on its own once the line tightens up. Monofilament line works just fine with circle hooks.

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Everything anyone needs to learn to sew and latch hook this adorable pillow. This package contains two pre-punched felt pillow pieces, a latch hook tool, 82yd/74m pre-cut rug yarn, 3yd/2.7m embroidery floss, 2oz/60g stuffing, a pre-printed latch hook mesh heart canvas, a plastic safety needle, and easy-to-follow instructions. Finished pillow measures 12 x 12. Recommended for children ages 8 and up. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-small parts and functional sharp object. Not for children under 3 years.

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