The Sakuma 440 Circle Hook is a specialised, user-friendly hook built for a range of bait fishing applications, particularly those focused on catch and release. It differs significantly from traditional J-hooks such as the Manta series, both in its design and in the way it hooks fish, and is a popular choice for its balance of strength, reliability and conservation-friendly performance. A true circle hook, the Sakuma 440 has a point that curves inward, back towards the shank. Unlike a J-hook, where you strike to set the hook, a circle hook is designed to set itself as the fish swims away with the bait. The tension on the line causes the hook to rotate and catch the fish in the corner of its jaw. This self-setting mechanism is why circle hooks are favoured for catch and release: by hooking the fish in the mouth or jaw, it significantly reduces the risk of deep hooking or gut hooking, a major cause of mortality for released fish. Anglers also note the 440 as being more user friendly than many other conventional circle hooks, suggesting a slightly less aggressive bend that can make it easier to bait and tie while still performing the self-setting function effectively. - Hook Pattern: A true circle hook with the point curved inward, pointing back towards the shank; sets itself as the fish swims away with the bait rather than requiring a strike - Conservation-Friendly: Hooks the fish in the mouth or jaw, significantly reducing the risk of deep hooking or gut hooking - User Friendly: Noted by anglers as more user friendly than many other conventional circle hooks, with a slightly less aggressive bend that can make it easier to bait and tie - Finish: Durable anti-corrosive black nickel coating for protection against saltwater and a subtle, non-reflective appearance - Wire Gauge: Made from super sharp, forged wire for a balance of strength and easy penetration, with the forging process adding extra strength to prevent bending or straightening under pressure - Eye: A neat, ringed eye that allows for a strong knot and smooth connection to your line or rig The unique design of the Sakuma 440 Circle Hook makes it ideal for a variety of fishing scenarios where self-setting is an advantage or where catch and release is a priority. - Live Bait Fishing: A fantastic choice for fishing with live sandeels, particularly from a boat or the shore; the design doesn't impede the sandeel's natural movement and ensures a positive hook-up as the fish takes the bait and swims away - Catch and Release: A great option for targeting species like plaice, flounder, dabs and bream where conservation and returning the fish safely is important; the larger sizes are also used for larger species like bass and ray - Bait Fishing: Can be used in a variety of rigs for general bait fishing from the shore or a boat; its self-setting nature means you don't need to be constantly holding the rod, making it ideal for multi-rod setups or when fishing in a leisurely manner - Specimen Hunting: While the 445 Manta Extra is the ultimate heavy-duty option, the 440 is still a formidable hook; the larger sizes are capable of handling a good-sized fish, and the self-setting nature can be a huge advantage when fishing for a wary specimen - 10 per packet