What are your tips to keeping fish from shaking the hook? I’ve lost a lot of fish over the last few weeks most of them smaller. I just downsized from a medium to a medium light and...

FS Digest

I’ve lost a lot of fish over the last few weeks most of them smaller. I just downsized from a medium to a medium light and landed a small one today fairly easily despite its constant head shaking. However, right after that I fought a larger bass to the bank but at the last second the hook popped out when the fish was on its side. The lures I’m using are finesse swimbaits- 1/0 hooks, 3 inch paddle tails. And also classic Ned rigs. Thanks!

--
by 52cp2

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

52cp2: The only solution I know of is keeping a tight line! I usually fish with barbless hooks due to being with my great nephew and do not want to have an accident of someone getting hooked accidentally. There even more so, one has to keep a tight line or the hook is likely to become disconnected. Just Sayin....RJS

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

FS Digest wrote:

I’ve lost a lot of fish over the last few weeks most of them smaller. I just downsized from a medium to a medium light and landed a small one today fairly easily despite its constant head shaking. However, right after that I fought a larger bass to the bank but at the last second the hook popped out when the fish was on its side. The lures I’m using are finesse swimbaits- 1/0 hooks, 3 inch paddle tails. And also classic Ned rigs. Thanks!

--
by 52cp2

In addition to RJS's tip on maintaining a tight line, hook shape can also mitigate thrown hooks to a degree. A couple brands, Trapper Tackle and Spearpoint hooks are designed with angles in the bend that theoretically "locks" the fish in place so they can't throw the hook. It's been working great so far for me. The one downside, esp. with the Trapper Tackle hooks is it's a little more difficult to remove the hook.

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

If you are fishing in a boat, be sure to stand up so you can keep the rod tip pointed downward. Same deal if bank fishing. A raised rod tip will promote more jumping which enables more head shaking and unbuttoning.

Low rod tip helps keep the fish down below the surface.

Indo-angler Loc: West Covina SoCal

Lower rod tip and crank!

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

FS Digest wrote:

I’ve lost a lot of fish over the last few weeks most of them smaller. I just downsized from a medium to a medium light and landed a small one today fairly easily despite its constant head shaking. However, right after that I fought a larger bass to the bank but at the last second the hook popped out when the fish was on its side. The lures I’m using are finesse swimbaits- 1/0 hooks, 3 inch paddle tails. And also classic Ned rigs. Thanks!

--
by 52cp2

Hence the saying “tight lines”