Circle hooks, like J pattern hooks, may be rigged for bottom fishing on dropper loops. The Twisted Dropper Loop is best because it presents the hook in such a way to avoid it fouling the main line. In this case I am using one of the modified circle patterns that have a wider than usual gape and a turned up eye like Gamakatsu Octopus Circle.
1. For your rig, select a suitable length of monofilament at least twice the breaking strain of your main line and twist in a spiral loop where you want to hook to go.
2. Having twisted a spiral somewhat longer than the required length, open it up to reduce the loop size so that it will fit easily through the eye of the hook.
3. Now, allow the spiral to form once more, but under some tension so that the loop at the end is now smaller and the spiral is shorter and more compressed.
4. Isolate the spiral by crossing the lines from each side to form a loop. Your index finger goes between loop and tag to facilitate the rotation of the cross-over.
5. Twist the cross-over alternately, inserting then withdrawing the index finger of each hand as each half twist is added.
6. Having completed eight half twists, pass the spiral through the cross-over that you were rotating with your fingers.
7. Close the knot with firm, even pressure.
8. Thread the eye of the hook with the twisted loop.
9. Then thread the point of the hook through the twisted loop.
10. The hook is now presented away from the line so that it is most unlikely to tangle. Baits may be attached using the double pinch or cable tie methods already described, or you can use bait elastic.
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February 10, 2012
by 
Geoff Wilson+
