The “system” word always scares hell out of me. I’ve always assumed it’s the rugged individualist that gets squeamish at the thought of tailoring his fishing to someone else’s system; it doesn’t mean it’s bad – we just know our opportunity for freestyle points evaporates.
Circle hooks have really made an impact in saltwater – and most of the big game market has converted to their use. Moffitt Angling has adapted Circle hooks to their hookless fly fishing system.
My reaction is like everyone else, “Huh? Eww…” But that’s based on years of conventional fly fishing – and like they say, only a baby likes change…
Hookless soft cored flies attached to a leader via looped connection, with the leader tipped with a Circle hook. Fish eats fly, angler sets hook, and hook makes contact with outer jaw only.
The theory is sound.
The hideous flaw is angler ego, now that bug and hook are separate they can be differing sizes, and ego will dictate the #24 Trico will be used in the retelling , even though the Circle hook was a #14.
Despite the ease of release and the claim that fish no longer need to handled – they’ve forgotten the need to immortalize the event, so the fish is yanked out of the water and manhandled for the lens…
The Science appears sound, it’s us that may need changing.
It’s always interesting to see something that doesn’t fit the traditional mold, you may want to visit and watch their video on how it all works.
How am I supposto get my heart pounding super awesome reel screaming backing taking ass snagged foul hooking?
Despite all the advances of modern technology imbedding a fly in your neck always seems easy, regardless of “system” used.
Now that you’ve got to unhook the fish with a rolling motion, we can assume it’s twice as painful.
SNAGGER!
I believe it is more humane to hook the fish in the mouth than trying to reason and convince yourself that snagging a fish in the face and landing is more sporting. Different strokes for different folks, I guess, but this “system” is illegal for use in MN, and any other state that prohibits snagging a fish anywhere else besides in the mouth.
Guilty!
There’s some gleaming rocket attached to your rod, and you’re going to quibble how it got there?
I’ll return its face in a second.