Once there was controversy about the use of ringed hooks. When they first came on the market in southern California many years ago, there were anglers, even expert anglers, who didn't like ???em. Before that, some didn't like circle hooks. Prior to that, there were anglers who voted strongly against "designer hooks," made from special steel with smaller barbs, with thicker wire.

None of these are controversial any more. Ringed hooks cost a bit more, but they advantage the angler by allowing a better, more natural bait presentation. A sardine, anchovy, mackerel or other baitfish on a ringed hook has a bit more latitude to swim in an upright position than one on a hook without a ring.

Likewise, circle hooks have proved their worth over and over, particularly to tuna fishermen, who have enthusiastically adopted them as the hook type of choice. They tend to seat themselves in the corner of the jaw, a good place to prevent line abrasion. A fish hooked on a circle is much less likely to free itself by twisting and turning. For tuna, some billfish like sailfish, yellowtail and other game fish, a circle hook is often the best choice.

The latest addition to these fishing improvements comes with ringed circle hooks. There were complaints about these, too, when they first appeared. Ringed circles are too expensive, said some. Don't work any better than ringed J-hooks, said others. By now there's little argument. So many big tuna have been landed on ringed circle hooks there may be a majority of anglers using them, at least when the fishing calls for it.

You don't need a ringed circle hook when you're fishing in a school of frenzied albacore, or any other kind of tuna, for that matter. The same goes for yellowtail or even calico bass. When they're really bitin' you don't need to resort to stealth or trickery. In a hot bite you might as well save your money and chuck out a hook that's just strong enough to do the job.

When you know there are fish around but it's hard to draw a strike, that's the time to dunk a ringed circle hook. Another time to use one is when you first roll into a place like Alijos Rocks or Cedros or Guadalupe Island, where there are quality fish expected, but you don't know yet if they're willing.

You spend a lot of money to go on a long range trip. Why object to a few cents more? It makes sense to give it your best shot. After the first fish you can always go back to your old favorite, whether it's a J-hook or a circle.

All the major hook makers offer circle hooks, and nearly all of them have a few models available with rings. Some anglers make their own, like Gary Teraoka. Gary buys Mustad hooks by the large box and then welds his own rings.

I've had good success with all the prominent makes of circle hooks with a ring, including Eagle Claw, Gamakatsu, Haybusa Owner, and Mustad. Over the past several years I've been able to get ringed Mustad circle hooks from Burns Saltwater Outfitters. They are offering ringed Demon fine wire hooks from size 2 up to 5/0, and kirbed circle hooks in sizes from 5/0 to 13/0, available at most southland tackle stores like Ken's Custom Reels, The Longfin, Save-On Tackle, Hook, Line & Sinker, Lakeside Bait & Tackle, and Fisherman's Tackle in Long Beach.

Burns also makes some Eagle Claw hooks with rings. Eagle Claw and the other hook-making companies may also offer these. Fisherman's Landing is another spot where you can find ringed hooks for sale, and you can always go online and look around.

Yellowtail season is about to begin, and albacore are already known to be in waters south of San Diego. When you go out after 'em this year, do yourself a favor and take some ringed circle hooks along, just in case you need ???em.

Just remember this one most important technique for fishing with circles: you don't set the hook with a circle hook, ringed or not. Wind down when you feel a bite, and keep winding until the line starts coming off your reel. You can set the hook then, but you probably won't need to do it. I'll give you odds that when you look at the fish you've caught you'll see the circle right in the corner of its mouth.