I just ordered 100 18/0 circle hooks for about $80 from catch all tackle....can be found on the web

 

All you need for bull reds and big drum are 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks, the only time you need bigger hooks in the surf is going after sharks.

 

This

 

I get my leaders from Sure Catch Tackle. He has some bullred rigs, shark rigs, etc at great prices. Search him on facebook and shoot him a direct message or call. Just go through his page and look for what you want. Shipping is quick as hell since he's in houston

 

Honestly, even sharks dont need big hooks. Match the circle hooks to the bait size. Most all of them can be had at any good academy. Or for the bigger shark sized circles for paddled baits you can order them.

 

I like 14/0 for the bull reds and black drum and the 18 thru 20/0 for the sharks. Seapony in Winnie has some. Call them.

 

I use the mustad 3x strong 7/0 super sharp and very strong great for reds and blacks can be found at any academy

 

thanks everyone

 

I like to use 18/0 circles for casted shark baits but you can catch a 42" bullred or black drum on tourist leaders with 2/0 circle hooks. That's what I use on my bait rods for whiting, pomps, reds, blacks or whatever. If you're targeting bullreds and big uglies, go with 5/0 - 7/0 as Sharkchum suggested.

 

I have purchased 14/0 circles at Academy in Houston. Might want to call around or have your local Academy check in their system.

 

Ebay is a great place to buy hooks, and pretty much everything else you need for surf fishing. 14/0 is my preference for reds.

 

There is a good reason why I recommend using a smaller hook when fishing for reds and drum. I have caught a ton of bull reds and big drum using 12/0 to 20/0 circle hooks, but I have never caught a keeper using them. There is no way a 21" red or a 19" drum is going to get something like a 16/0 hook in its mouth, but it is never a problem to catch a 48" red or a 42" drum on a 5/0 hook. There is no need to use a big hook just because your targeting big fish, if you do than your gonna be missing out on a lot of nice keeper sized fish, take a look at the little hooks they use to catch 1000# bluefin tuna, you might be surprised.

 

Tourist leaders. I love it. I have a different name for them.

 

The original question was what one preferred for BIG fish. Forgot to mention that the reason I use the larger hooks for the bulls were that to me they seem to come out easier than the smaller hooks.
KEEPERS?
Who wants those small fish? Might as well go fish the bays. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

 

Typcially I prefer to size the hook with what bait I'm using. And I never use "tourist" leaders. They are made to fail in my opinion.

On multiple occasions I've had sharks pick up pieces of cut FINGER mullet on small 5/0 circle hooks.

 

Typcially I prefer to size the hook with what bait I'm using. And I never use "tourist" leaders. They are made to fail in my opinion.

LOL I don't bother making tiny leaders to catch bait.:rotfl:

 

We used 16 /o back in the day Tarpon fishing so I would go with a 5-7 /O for any fish less than 100 lbs.

 

Here is one example of a leader I built for Bullreds, Big Black drum and Jacks. Mono is 200#, hook is 7/0 circle, weight is 4-6oz. It's just an example. Everyone has their own way of making leaders for the size and species they are targeting. You can catch monster fish with this rig but you can also catch keepers like slot reds. It is not intended to catch bait.

 

Lots of good points all over, but let's not get hook SIZE confused with hook STRENGTH. A small strong hook in a properly rigged bait can bring in monsters and mini monsters alike.

 

Another good point. A Mustad circle is not the same as a Gamagatsu circle. And some are offset and some are not.

 

hooks

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/eag...-lazar-sharp-circle-sea-single-hooks-25-pack/pid-1004584?N=310008598+4294967132