I ran them for a year probably eight years ago, I hated them because I didn't know how to use them ...aka I like to set the hook, once I found out I should just start reeling they worked better, but I was ready to throw everyone in the garbage after that, I do know guys who use them and do good on them though.
circle hooks are all I use on bottom bouncer bait rigs, and un-attended shore lindys. Almost never lose a fish on them. I like them for finicky clear water pike bait rigs where I need a 20lb fluoro leader and want to keep the line outa their teeth. and they're the only hooks I use in saltwater.
Just remember to size up 1 or 2 if you're going to start using true circles. The octopus circles are not as severe, but a true circle in the same size has a far smaller gap
I usually use them on a dead rod. Can't beat em for that purpose. The problem with using them while holding a rod is you instinctively set the hook. U do that and you miss em. You just apply steady pressure once a fish is on and they're toast
I've been using the octopus hooks on my spinners for years and they've worked very well for me. My natural tendency is to give a steady pull to set the hook. By comparison a friend of mine yanks the heck out of the rod to set the hook, so they don't work nearly as well for him.