Hooksetting Suggestion From Gary Yamamoto

[Sam]

I suscribe to Gary Yamamoto on Facebook and in this video he suggests a soft hookset when fishing Senkos.

I actually am doing this with my spinning rigs and have not had any problems.

After viewing the following video I would like to read your response to what Gary has to say.

This could start a new trend in hooksetting.

http://fishstrong.com/gary-yamamoto-hookset-philosophy-and-spinning-setup/

[dale.m]

I have to agree with him. When I fish a soft plastic, whether it be a senko, smokin chicken, or etc, I let the fish take the bait for a few seconds before slowly but firmly setting the hook. Some times I will watch the fish carry the bait away for 5 to 10 seconds before setting the hook just for pure enjoyment and laughs. With the quality of hooks, line, and rods that we have today, I find that there is no need to rip set a hook when fishing a soft plastic.

[AK-Jax86]

I have to agree with him. When I fish a soft plastic, whether it be a senko, smokin chicken, or etc, I let the fish take the bait for a few seconds before slowly but firmly setting the hook. Some times I will watch the fish carry the bait away for 5 to 10 seconds before setting the hook just for pure enjoyment and laughs. With the quality of hooks, line, and rods that we have today, I find that there is no need to rip set a hook when fishing a soft plastic.

You said it perfectly that is exactly what I do as well.

[Bob C]

I just reel him in with steady pressure and let the hook set itself. I like a smaller hook with a Senko.

[Jim_M]

Yep. I just load up the rod in the opposite direction the fish is moving. Come to think of it, that is the same hookset I use for everything except frogs. And that is just slower and a bit firmer. I have tried imitating the company sales reps on TV and pretty much miss everything. I jus dont have doz skills.

[Nitrofreak]

I personally don't see where he is going against any grain at all.

What I am saying is that every one of us have to use our noodles a little when fishing different baits with different lines and rod combos.

A braid and a fast rod for soft baits don't require strong hooksets, especially with todays hook technology for all different kinds of applications, this even includes the jigs in my opinion, the newer jigs from Strike King and I am sure others are very sharp and very strong and require very little effort to penetrate even the roof of the mouth when using faster rods and stronger lines, braids or otherwise.

[Jig Meister]

I made an effort to fish Senko's the other day, wacky rigged, where I would normally fish a jig. I have played with Wacky rigs rarely, and I thought I would give them an honest chance. Well out of 5 casts, I caught 3, landed 2, and I instinctively let the fish run with the bait, and then set the hook, just very light and it worked best. The ones that got away were due to trying to set the hook too hard.

In fact, I have made a conscious effort to set the hook lighter all around with all baits, and it has really paid off.

[BassinMD]

I reel set with most everything except for jigs and frogs, or of I'm punching mats

[scrutch]

I have to agree with him. When I fish a soft plastic, whether it be a senko, smokin chicken, or etc, I let the fish take the bait for a few seconds before slowly but firmly setting the hook. Some times I will watch the fish carry the bait away for 5 to 10 seconds before setting the hook just for pure enjoyment and laughs. With the quality of hooks, line, and rods that we have today, I find that there is no need to rip set a hook when fishing a soft plastic.

Do you gullet hook many fish waiting that long? I'd sure think so. If you wait 5 to 10 seconds to set the hook, you will eventually kill some quality fish.

I generally agree with Gary Yamamoto's theory. It only takes a small, short pop to set the hook with today's equipment. I've lost a few fish by not giving it some sort of hookset. I still use hard hooksets when Carolina rigging and frogging.

[dale.m]

Do you gullet hook many fish waiting that long? I'd sure think so. If you wait 5 to 10 seconds to set the hook, you will eventually kill some quality fish.

I generally agree with Gary Yamamoto's theory. It only takes a small, short pop to set the hook with today's equipment. I've lost a few fish by not giving it some sort of hookset. I still use hard hooksets when Carolina rigging and frogging.

I haven't run into that situation, but I could see how it may happen very easily. Something to think about next time I'm fishing. Thanks.