I recently was reading an article by the MRRI (Marine Resource Research Institute). They conducted a study regardingcircle hooks, Offset and Non Offset hooks. To make a long story short, the article stated thatoffset circle hooks lead to more "missed" hooks ups and those fish that were hooked, a good percentage of them were gut hooked. About the same percentage as if J hooks were being used. The article stated that non offset circle hooks lead to more lip (corner of the mouth) hook ups and a much higher percentage of safe releases.
    Now assuming those of us that use circle hooks, know how to properly use them, the study mentioned NOTHING of anglars "trying to set the hook using a circle hook", so please don't respond with a "You don't set the hook response''.
    I've been using circle hooks for a few years now, about 5 or so, when I fish for Striped Bass and Blue Fish. I never notice the difference between the two styles of hooks except that the offset hooks were easier to bait up. I have however noticed that I have had a few missed hook ups and a few gut hooked fish using the offset circle hooks, but didn't put two and two together until reading that article. 
    I'm just curious if anyone else that uses circle hooks has experienced the same thing or would just like to comment on the differences of the two style of circle hooks. I know now, I will only be using non offset circle hooks.  This study was conducted using Red Drum. There have been similar studies with Striped Bass with similar results.
    Thanks for reading...Vito Barresi

Interesting....I have never used anything but the non-offset...so at least I'm good according to the studies.

When bait fishing in Hawaii, the vast majority of fishermen use circle hooks called "tankitchi" hooks here. They are non-offset and are used because no hook-set is required. Most rigs are baited then the rods are set in sand spikes, or some other anchored device. Our primary quarry is the GT called ulua here. Even when baiting for smaller fish, or other species, the tankitchi hook is the hook of choice because fish are rarely lost because the hook failed to set. Hooks are almost always in the corner of the jaw. When using these hooks, learn to snell the hooks rather than using any other knot. The snell, if tied properly will always "turn the point of the hook" into the fish's jaw.

Posted By gsuzukawa on 30 Jan 2012 07:38 PM
When bait fishing in Hawaii, the vast majority of fishermen use circle hooks called "tankitchi" hooks here. They are non-offset and are used because no hook-set is required. Most rigs are baited then the rods are set in sand spikes, or some other anchored device. Our primary quarry is the GT called ulua here. Even when baiting for smaller fish, or other species, the tankitchi hook is the hook of choice because fish are rarely lost because the hook failed to set. Hooks are almost always in the corner of the jaw. When using these hooks, learn to snell the hooks rather than using any other knot. The snell, if tied properly will always "turn the point of the hook" into the fish's jaw.

Good point about snelling the hook...I always tie my own rigs, and learning the snell knot is a must for saltwater fishing or big freshwater speices, when live or cut bait is being used.

I have been using circle hooks for a few years now but never gave a thought to offset or not. I'll have to check my inventory when I drag my tackle out of winter storage in March and see which I have. I also use a snell knot exclusively when tying my rigs be they simple leaders or spinner rigs for walleye.

During the spring spawn run in the delaware river its a state law that nobody can use off set hooks only inline so there must be something true about what you read. Iget better sets on the inline hooks.

the species is striper in the river

Thank you all for your input and thoughts!

Funny. Over the years (been fishing since I was 3 years old) I have used mainly J hooks. I began using circle hooks around 3 years ago, and to be quite honest, I have found that I have killed way more fish using the circle hooks, and yes that includes using a dehooking device, trying to "walk"the hook back out of the fish's mouths. I found I have to spend to much time attempting to remove the hooks, unless I debarb the circle hook. The thing I learned about J Hooks is simple, the "gut" hooking is usually due to improper hook size for the fish you are attempting to catch! I don't give much credit to circle hooks, even though I use them to this day.