I read the thread on trace design, but rather than add to that I decided to start a new one on the business end of the trace - the hook.
These details were reported on the web site of Paul's Kites. I can't locate them there now, but I copied the article at the time. Four longlines were set with 116 hooks apiece. They must have been commercial sets? Anyhow, results were as follows:
Circle hook tied with a conventional knot: 148 snapper Circle hook tied with a snell knot: 210 snapper J hook tied with a conventional knot: 74 snapper J hook tied with a snell knot: 81 snapper
I use option B all the time, as do all commercial longliners. Some of you may disagree, but have you got any hard data?
I don't drop many snapper that I hook. If I have problem, it's not placing my bait in front of enough snapper. Sound familiar?