A circle hook's point bends inwards. Its point is meant to grab a fish by the corner of the mouth when it is reeled in. Unlike a circle hook, the point of a traditional, or j hook, points straight up. It is meant to jab into a fish's mouth with the force of the bite, or a solid hookset.

Are circle hooks better?

Benefits of circle hooks

Reduced deep hooking – improved survival of released fish and decreased loss of fishing tackle. Improved hook-up and landing rates for many species. The strike time is not as crucial for hook-up of fish.

What is the point of a circle hook?

The circle hook's shape allows it to only hook onto an exposed surface, which in the case of a fish means the corner of its mouth. The fish takes the baited hook and swallows it, and as the hook is reeled in, it is safely pulled out of the fish until it reaches the mouth.