Owner Ringed Mutu Circle Hooks

The Owner Ringed Mutu Circle Hook is widely regarded as the best live bait circle hook for Southern California saltwater fishing. The welded ring on the eye gives the bait freedom of movement and provides a pivoting point on the strike — reducing hook pull on hard-running fish. The oversized barb keeps fish buttoned through the fight. Available in sizes 4 through 4/0 in standard packs, and 1/0 through 4/0 in Pro Packs for high-volume live bait fishing.

As with any circle hook, never set the hook. When you get bit, point the rod tip at the fish and wind until you feel the rod load up, then raise the rod tip slowly and hang on.

Key Features

• Welded Ring Eye — Allows the bait to swim naturally and provides a pivoting point on the strike; reduces hook pull on hard-running yellowtail and tuna.
• Oversized Barb — Large barb keeps fish buttoned through sustained pressure and head shakes; more holding power than standard circle hooks.
• Circle Hook Geometry — Inward-turned point self-sets in the corner of the mouth; reduces gut-hooking and improves release rates for catch-and-release fishing.
• Heavy Wire Construction — Built to handle the sustained pressure of large yellowtail, tuna, and white seabass on live bait.
• Corrosion-Resistant Finish — Withstands repeated saltwater exposure through a full day of live bait fishing.
• Pro Pack Option — 1/0–4/0 available in Pro Packs (22–34 hooks) for better per-hook value on high-volume trips.

Product Specifications

Best For

• Yellowtail on Live Anchovies & Sardines — Sizes 1/0–3/0 are the standard for yellowtail on live bait; the welded ring and circle geometry keep the hook in the corner of the mouth through the fight.
• Tuna on Live Bait — Sizes 2/0–4/0 for larger sardines and mackerel on tuna; heavy wire handles the sustained pressure of a hard-running tuna.
• White Seabass — Sizes 1/0–2/0 for white seabass on live squid and anchovies; circle hook geometry reduces gut-hooking for catch-and-release.
• High-Volume Live Bait Fishing — Pro Packs (1/0–4/0) offer better per-hook value for charter trips and anglers who go through hooks quickly.

Tackle Express Tips:

• When setting the hook on a circle hook, don't raise the rod tip but rather wind until line starts coming off the reel.  Then raise the rod tip and you're hooked.
• Collar or butt hooking the sardine or mackerel is the best way to get it to swim strong.  A strong swimming bait gets bit better.
• Store your hooks in a box or bag but don't mix used hooks with saltwater on them with your good hook.  The rust will transfer to all of them in your box.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What size Owner Mutu Circle Hook is best for yellowtail? — Size 1/0 to 2/0 is the most common choice for yellowtail on live anchovies and sardines. Go up to 3/0 for larger sardines or when targeting bigger fish.
• Do I set the hook with a circle hook? — No. With any circle hook, never set the hook. When you get bit, point the rod tip at the fish and wind until you feel the rod load up, then raise the rod tip slowly. The circle geometry self-sets in the corner of the mouth.
• What’s the difference between the standard pack and the Pro Pack? — Same hook, more per pack. Pro Packs are available in 1/0–4/0 and contain 22–34 hooks vs. 4–6 in the standard pack — better per-hook value for high-volume live bait fishing.
• Is the Owner Mutu Circle Hook good for tuna? — Yes. Sizes 2/0–4/0 are commonly used for tuna on live sardines and mackerel. The heavy wire and oversized barb handle the sustained pressure of a hard-running tuna.