FS Digest

I’ve been fishing a lot with a Texas rigged worm lately, and have been catching largemouth, and most of the time I set the hook I feel a few taps on the rod tip sometimes seeing the line tighten up, so I set the hook, but am I only setting on obvious takes that make up a smaller percent of the total takes, or is that just how it feels when a bass takes the worm?

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

That pretty much covers it. I found that if I gently tighten the line until I feel pressure I get better hook sets. I am no expert on bass, but it has worked for me. I often don't even feel a bite. I see it in the line. I try to keep the slightest bit of slack in the line when the plastic is resting. Bass will often hold a good plastic for a long time. Back in the old days, I used to let the bass swim away, stop, then set the hook when it started swimming again. I thought the bass bit the bait, then stopped and inhaled it. With modern under water video's, it is clear that bass usually suck the bait up like a vacuum. In most cases, if there is tension, the bass has the bait in its mouth and it's mouth is closed. Again, that is just me. I would like to hear what the pro's say.

BILLBYRD1 Loc: Prattville Al

Sometimes it is just a little tick, some times it's a strong thump or sometimes no feeling at all. Just start moving in a direction. Remember it dose not cost you anything to set the hook. That is when I upped my catch ratio. Some fish will suck your bait in and spit it back out and you will not even know it There are videos of them inhaling a bait in and back out in less than a second I believe. It is really fast. That is one reason line watchers catch more bass on Texas rig than non line watchers.

Eyecrosser Loc: Camdenton Mo. Lake of Ozarks.

One bite a lot of folks miss is the no weight bite. By this I mean, when you can't feel the weight of your worm and sinker, when you pull up. Set the hook--the fish has it and more than likely is swimming toward you. Tight lines...