Outsidetom Loc: Fenton Mo

Hi I have been catching some crappie, but I have been missing more than I should either setting the hook and feeling nothing or getting them almost to the boat and they get off...also I hooked 4big flathead cats and only landed 1.These were nice cats.I am wondering if anyone has a idea for a better hook ? I am thinking about circle hooks I am using minnows .I know crappie have paper mouth but something might help me land more ...it's to hot to fish all day .. Thanks. Tom

Charlie H Loc: Greer, Arizona

Are your hooks sharp???

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

OUTSIDETOM; Well the previous post is important, have to have sharp hooks. And small ones for crappie and larger ones for the cats. Just Sayiin...RJS

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

If your planning on keeping the cats use a treble hook. Cant help withe the rest.

Bait Fisher 55 Loc: Bellingham, WA

Sounds like the problem I had yesterday. Was doing great. Lost the hook. The next 10+/- fish kept getting away. New hook and I was off to the races again. Needs to be sharp.

Woodsman Loc: Brainerd Mn

I want to try to catch alligator gar and want to know what type hook to use and size

Harris T. Fudpucker Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

Well if you must ask what hook, you might be asking what gear! Gar will really mess up your gear if too light. By light, I mean, 'if you can't bring in a 400lb shark, you are fishing with too light of gear. Hook size, start with an 8/0, steel leader 12"-18" should do. A salt water spinning reel size or a large bait caster, depending on the size of the fish. I have caught a few in the 50+ size with 40lb braid, blue gill for bait, and a 12" leader, with a stiff rod and a Abu Garcia 3500 reel. The first one, I was in a canoe, back seat, and it spun the canoe around, and we were going backwards in one of the bayous. When I brought it to the boat, my friend and I knew we cannot bring it in the canoe, too heavy. Over 75lbs and we tied it to the side. Please remember that if you do catch, and put into the boat, watch out. If the fish wiggles, it will, what ever it hits with his snout, will have marks, including your ankles. They have three rows of teeth, and the outside row point outward. Much like a V on the bottom, and an upside down V on the top.

Woodsman Loc: Brainerd Mn

Thanks I will keep that in mind, from what I have herd they kill them before bringing them in the boat ones I’ve seen are 3 to 4 ft long. Hope to get some pictures of I get one.

Charlie H Loc: Greer, Arizona

A gar will destroy a landing net. I suggest you NOT do that.

teabag09 Loc: Chesapeake, Virginia

Use a shredded piece of rope. You don't need a hook, in fact their mouths as soo tough it's hard to get a hook to set unless you're jug fishing and they swallow the bait. The shredded rope will get caught in their teeth and you can reel them in. Mike

Woodsman Loc: Brainerd Mn

I will have to give it a try. Thanks teabag09 good luck fishing

Woodsman

Outsidetom Loc: Fenton Mo

Thanks for all info.. Bottom Line is SHARP HOOKS .I'll be sure they are ..I never checked them .I will for now on..