|
|
| I think a hard hook-set, ONCE, works well. Major issue is an awesome bend in the rod...make sure there is a good bend in the rod, and the rod is kept high, unless it is right at the boat, and then that's a whole new situation.
Back when we were using 6' rods, and heavy mono, or some type of stretching dacron, you could get away with the short stiff rods. With today's rope, you need some give. As well, with a good bend in the rod AFTER the hook-set, as mentioned in this thread, the hooks will slide if you've not moved them on the hook-set.
So, once and done is my opinion!!
Donnie 
Edited by Donnie3737 8/7/2007 12:01 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 457
| Depends on the bait that I am throwing. Reaction type baits, one solid sharp set. Throwing bucktails, 90% of the time I will just sweep to the side (usually my right dunno why) in a fashion that isn't sharp, but powerful and steady, all the while reeling like mad to make sure there is no slack.
As others have indicated, I am not a proponent of a multiple set. There are rare occasions, very rare, that I will double up. If the fish, for instance, is running to me(that NEVER happens right?) I will double up if I felt slack on the first set. For the most part, single. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | One good sweeping hook set, sharp hooks, biggest problem is the 6' rod, longer rod like 7'6" to 8'6'" with solid backbone and fast action tip will let you absord more slack in the fight and reduce the chance of the fish getting slack line when go airborne, keeping good tension is the biggest thing, soon as any slack, they find a way to get rid of the hooks. I would change out the hooks on the shad raps, not the best hook on the bait off the shelf.
good luck
Troyz |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1636
| This is almost as funny as someone telling someone they need to analyze their hookset if they are losing fish. If you think you got a good hookset the first time, its all gravy. nwild pointed out a good reason not to give a second hookset, but if you feel like you need to give another...then do it. You really don't have much time to think. Hopefully you have good reaction time and instinct Either way, you are going to lose fish 
Edited by Reelwise 8/7/2007 1:57 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 726
Location: Eau Claire, WI | once is enough and frankly there are times that I wonder how much it matters. People talk about big power sets but in reality few actually do it and we know that even hardest sets really don't deliver all that much power. just my opinion and I don't consider myself a power setter at all. I hit 'em once but it's just an instinctive reaction to the action. I don't consciously think "I am going to nail this thing". If I hook up, I don't lose many fish. One thing I try to do it set across my body. This an adjustment I made a few years ago and it's helped. Bucher had an article about that in MHM a while back.
what is more important is your ability to play the fish once it's on. Proper gear, good hands and a presence of mind in the moment to recognize what is happening.
if you have decent sharp hooks, they hook themselves and all you need to do is keep tension. a longer rod makes that easier. if the fish is coming to the top, then get that rod tip down even if that means you're on your knees like in a deep fig 8. You want that head in the water at all times especially with heavier lures. If that fish wants to go to the back of the boat, you go with it. I run a lot of laps around a boat, I don't try to keep my position. need to keep a clean boat so you don't trip and kill yourself!
Because I don't consider myself a power setter, I fish with a tight drag to give me an edge but I back it off as soon as I can so that the fish can go where it wants like Al mentioned earlier.
The worst thing is you don't back it off and you are toe to toe at the boat, the fish rockets straight away on a tight drag, goes airborne because it has no choice as you are not paying out line. game over. get that drag adjusted asap. also, I palm my reel and use rods with long butt handles so I can keep stable tension while I am making the adjustments.
above all else, sometimes fish get off no matter what you do. unfortunately the agony of defeat is necessary. without it, there is no thrill of victory.
Hope this helps and good luck,
Jono
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2361
| I think the whole argument is overrated. Getting a good heavy weight is what you are trying for. If it takes two times do it. If you get it right away, you are probably all right.
I used to spend a lot of time worrying about stuff like this. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2024
| Reelwise - 8/7/2007 1:54 PM
This is almost as funny as someone telling someone they need to analyze their hookset if they are losing fish. QUOTE]
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Amen, brother.
Bottom line, do what feels comfortable. This is the same debate as "should I freespool or use my drag" and the same answer applies to this question. Do what you have confidence in.
The fish determines how well the hook is "set" 90% of the time. The real question is how well you handle fighting the fish. The really good fishermen lose few fish because they don't screw up during the fight.
Just fish...
Edited by esox50 8/7/2007 8:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 359
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin | Al, that is an outstanding point you make. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 271
Location: davis,IL | For me this depends on the bait I'm using, for bucktails once, for cranks or softbaits twice. The use of a longer more limber rod and superline usually helps a lot. Also remember if you are going to hit em again wait till he turns away from you. As far as hooks go 3/0 or larger and razor sharp. I loose very few fish that taste the hooks by using these methods. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 39
| This is for the guys talking about backing off of the drag.... I am trying to figure out the physics of backing off the drag while keeping a tight line at the same time. Isnt possible that the fish will move and create slack line while you a messing with the drag? I am just curious to hear more detail on how you make this work.
Edited by Believer 8/10/2007 11:13 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 726
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Believer, I use my thumb to keep tension while I'm adjusting the drag so if I do overshoot, I still have instant tension control. I've never had a slack line situation. If I can't get the drag loose and need to give line right away, I'll free spool and let my thumb act as the drag. Long rods and palming the reel makes this easy for me to do. Others results may vary I suppose.
Jono |
|
| |
|
| One strong hookset is enough, and only a second attempt is necessary if you missed the first |
|
| |
|
Posts: 69
| Manta18 - 6/25/2007 4:27 AM
Give 'em the old Linder hookset. Set it once, reel down tight, and give it to her again!
Yep.There's many times,especially working lures like Mantas,I've not got tight lines,and feel the second hookset is the one getting it done. |
|
| |
|
| It all depends on everything and every persons ability.
Small hooks usually once,large hooks usually more.
Natural ability or talent can be everything or nothing.
How the fish hits the bait will determine what you will do next without thinking.
No set rules for every one,were all different. |
|
| |
|
|
I don't "set the hook" per se at all. When I have a hit, I lean into it a bit and just start to reel.
The drag is fairly tight, but as Jono mentioned, backed off very quickly to allow the fish to swim as it needs to.
In the case of a boatside hit, once I feel the pressure of the fish, I let off the drag and let her swim away.
Works for me, I consider my landing % to be very good in comparison to those I fish with.
Let the fish eat the bait, sharp hooks that aren't oversized grab easily and hold well if YOU don't rip them out.
JS |
|
| |
