<em> Abstract.</em>—This study evaluates the performance of circle and comparable-size “J” hooks on Atlantic and Pacific sailfish <em> Istiophorus platypterus </em>and, to a lesser extent, on Pacific blue marlin <em> Makaira nigricans</em>. Terminal gear performances were assessed in terms of fishing success, hook location, and bleeding associated with physical hook damage and trauma. Evaluations of trolling with dead bait took place off Iztapa, Guatemala, during the spring and summer of 1999, and assessment of drifting/kite fishing with live bait took place off South Florida during the summer of 1999.