Missing way to many bites on the hook set
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:07 #
I've been bass fishing from a boat for 8 years and I feel like I continue to miss way more bites on the hook set than I should. I fish primarily with texas rigs and finesse jigs on an area where the river turns into a lake. My gear is not the cheapest either. Mostly BassPro Pro Qualifier baitcasters and St. Croix rods. Does anyone have some pointers that they can give me?
--
by meathouse1989
--
by meathouse1989
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:13 #
I’m guessing, but maybe the “type” of hookest for the lure? For a TR, a lot of the times I’ll get little bream or bluegill pecking at it and its hard not to set the hook when you know there’s a fish there, but at least where I am, if you let them “take it”, as in the line’s moving, then let a little slack out, reel down to take the slack in, then knock them crosseyed with a quick, violent upward hookset, that drives the hook through the texas rigged worm and their mouth at once. Watch Bass Resource or Roland Martin on YT for a good TR hookset. Same basic hookset for a big jig. For a finesse rig like a drop shot or weightless wacky senko, I use a much “smoother” hookset that’s more of a lean-back gradual thing. I’m speculating here, but maybe giving them another half second to “take it” and make sure its a bass, then using a lure/hook-type set for what you’re using? Using Senko or other salted worms can give you a little edge in that they’ll not spit it out in that half second since it has “flavor”.
--
by montanabob68
--
by montanabob68
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:17 #
I didn't believe in the salt or scent much at first but it really does make them hold on longer. Instead of instantly spitting they tend to not think of it as a lure until you set that hook
--
by Ohmie122
--
by Ohmie122
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:24 #
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:29 #
It really really does, especially for big ones. A big fish will spit that lure faster than you even realize when they figure out it tastes like plastic.
--
by Ohmie122
--
by Ohmie122
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:33 #
Any time i read “set that hook”, i read it in Hank Patterson’s voice. I believe that his videos are equally relevant to all brands of fishing, and maybe life in general.
--
by quickdrawmcnevermiss
--
by quickdrawmcnevermiss
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:38 #
It depends what you're fishing with. With wacky rigs with a sharp finesse hook you don't even really need.to set the hook just give them a light up swing. With a Texas rig or frog you want to stick them with a hard upswing. Make sure your hooks are sharp and you're not making your Texas rig too weedless. Also i never use weedless wacky hooks anymore because I've had really bad experiences with hookup ratio.
--
by Ohmie122
--
by Ohmie122
Aug 24, 2019 11:08:44 #
Other people have said it, just make sure your hooks are sharp. If I have a trip planned out I'll use some fine grit sand paper and sharpen all my hooks I plan on using. Dont be afraid to set the hook like every fish is 10lbs lol.
--
by Jayjohnson86
--
by Jayjohnson86
Aug 25, 2019 09:32:25 #
you might try a stiffer rod to put more backbone in your set. you might also be setting too soon. i know with my carolinarigs the bass like to gum the bait and swim with it a while. i just slowly reel in any slack while i watch the line move. when i feel the weight of the fish pulling, i set hard. good luck and i hope this helps.
Aug 25, 2019 10:09:29 #
Hunterbill
Loc: Toomsboro, ga
Lazar trokar worm hook. I use them for salt and fresh waters. You WILL out fish any of your buddies! At the end of the day, I will show them my hook! I call it my fist fight hook!! You get what you pay 💰 for!
Aug 25, 2019 12:58:35 #
Circle hooks can help with that as they basically hook themselves when they're on the run with their prize!
Aug 25, 2019 15:28:07 #
I use barbless circle hooks for trout and I've had pretty good success hooking up with them. I've found the key with circles is to not do a hard jerk set. Just raise your rod a little bit and when you feel the weight of the fish, start reeling. The hook will set itself. If you jerk you're going to pull it right out of its mouth. I also use a pretty soft action rod and braided line with a 36" or so fluoro leader. The braid does not give an inch, unlike mono. I'm a catch and release guy, and I use this rig if I'm floating bait off the bottom. They rarely get to swallow the hook and I don't have to pull their guts out to get them off and back in the water.
Aug 25, 2019 15:29:53 #
Aug 25, 2019 17:39:11 #
Aug 25, 2019 21:12:55 #
I know catfish like wd40. do other fish like it too? I've never tried it as a trout attractant.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.