Hook set with a spinnerbait

[MojoGarcia]

This weekend, I had two strikes with my spinnerbaits. Unfortunately, i don't think they got on. After setting, the bait either came loose, or went flying back at me.

Is there a way to set the hook with the spinnerbait that will improve my hookset. I know, with spinnerbaits, there are alot of short strikes, but in this case, im not sure if that's what happened.

also, is there a specific way of rolling the spinnerbait to improve more catches. my entire outing, with two fish on, doesn't build confidence in using this bait. slow roll? burn? stop and go?

[Grey Wolf]

What's the action of your rod ?

[D4u2s0t]

This weekend, I had two strikes with my spinnerbaits. Unfortunately, i don't think they got on. After setting, the bait either came loose, or went flying back at me.

Is there a way to set the hook with the spinnerbait that will improve my hookset. I know, with spinnerbaits, there are alot of short strikes, but in this case, im not sure if that's what happened.

also, is there a specific way of rolling the spinnerbait to improve more catches. my entire outing, with two fish on, doesn't build confidence in using this bait. slow roll? burn? stop and go?

With spinnerbaits, I don't do a very hard hookset, because the bait is already moving.  If you have a sharp hook, a quick snap and applying some pressure should be enough.  If you're setting the hook to the point where the bait is flying out of the water at you,your probably setting the hook too hard.  In terms of strikes, if it was a bass it could have missed, or hit a blade, or grabbed the skirt... but are you sure you didn't hit a rock, or weed or something?

as far as how to fish a spinnerbait, all of the above will work, depending on conditions.  you have to feel out the fish, they'll tell you what presentation to use.

[bassman31783]

Yeah when I set the hook I set it HARD. 

As far as improving your catch rate you could always add a trailer hook. 

[MojoGarcia]

I couldve had more then 2 fish strikes, but for sure two were bass. they both hit near shore and visibly came out of the water during my set.

I'm using a pretty good setup. avid MH  7 foot, stx, 12 lb mono.

Ok, i'll try light sets next time.

[basser89]

As far as improving your catch rate you could always add a trailer hook.

That was my first thought too. I fish spinnerbaits with trailer hooks about 90% (or more) of the time.

[b.wedlund]

As far as improving your catch rate you could always add a trailer hook.

That was my first thought too. I fish spinnerbaits with trailer hooks about 90% (or more) of the time.

X3

[fmoore]

A lot of my spinnerbait fishing is done around downed trees. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a branch and a fish. I just keep reeling to determine if it's a fish or not. If it is, I'll just give a long sweep to the side with the rod.

Point is, not much hookset is needed when spinnerbait fishing. Just keep reeling and sweep the rod to the side.

[retiredbosn]

IMHO you need a rod like a crankbait rod, one with a slower action.  With single hook baits  that are moving you need to give the fish time to get the bait in it's mouth.  If you are using a fast action graphite rod you are more than likely pulling the bait out of it's mouth.  I had the same problem until I started using my crankin rod for my spinner baits, problem solved.

[The Bassinator]

Wait until you feel the weight of the fish then set the hook.  If the hook is sharp enough you shouldnt have anymore problems.

[Chaz Hickcox]

This weekend, I had two strikes with my spinnerbaits. Unfortunately, i don't think they got on. After setting, the bait either came loose, or went flying back at me.

Is there a way to set the hook with the spinnerbait that will improve my hookset. I know, with spinnerbaits, there are alot of short strikes, but in this case, im not sure if that's what happened.

also, is there a specific way of rolling the spinnerbait to improve more catches. my entire outing, with two fish on, doesn't build confidence in using this bait. slow roll? burn? stop and go?

With spinnerbaits, I don't do a very hard hookset, because the bait is already moving. If you have a sharp hook, a quick snap and applying some pressure should be enough. If you're setting the hook to the point where the bait is flying out of the water at you,your probably setting the hook too hard. In terms of strikes, if it was a bass it could have missed, or hit a blade, or grabbed the skirt... but are you sure you didn't hit a rock, or weed or something?

as far as how to fish a spinnerbait, all of the above will work, depending on conditions. you have to feel out the fish, they'll tell you what presentation to use.

x2

I use spinners all the time.  Usually the hook sets itself, obviously depending on the speed of retrieve.  Now as far as your retreieve, it depends.  Right now in prespawn/spawn I use a steady retrieve, but not too fast.  If you're fishing from shore I would fish it with a medium retrieve but it depends on your water. 

[Dan:]

I set the hook on spinnerbaits by sweeping to the side hard. I fish them with my shoulders and rod perpendicular to the line. If I start missing fish, I use trailer hooks.

[Canadian Kid]

feel the fish... and just giver' with the hookset. Hard as ya can.

Always use a trailer hook

as for the retrieve... let the fish tell ya.

[EastTexasBassin]

Always use a trailer hook and make sure its free swinging.  The short ones work just fine and don't get hung up as much as the long ones. 

Usually, I just feel the weight of the fish and start to bring her in.  No 'hookset' necessary.

[Glenn]

Wow, I'm just the opposite.  Spinnerbaits typically have large hooks (e.g 5/0), which means MH rods with 15lb test min.  This equates to hard hooksets.  Sweepsets are for small hooks and light line - finesse fishing. 

I don't use trailer hooks either. If you're getting strikes and missing fish, they're talking to you - something isn't quite right.  Change blade colors, skirt colors, or trailer colors until they engulf it.  You won't need a trailer hook then.

[Catt]

Wow, I'm just the opposite. Spinnerbaits typically have large hooks (e.g 5/0), which means MH rods with 15lb test min. This equates to hard hooksets. Sweepsets are for small hooks and light line - finesse fishing.

I don't use trailer hooks either. If you're getting strikes and missing fish, they're talking to you - something isn't quite right. Change blade colors, skirt colors, or trailer colors until they engulf it. You won't need a trailer hook then.

X2 

[Sam]

Single Hooks - Cross their eyes as you set the hook over your head.

Treble Hooks - Sweep to right or left.

Keep all slack out of line after setting hook. May be clumsy to do this but you have to keep slack out of line.

ALWAYS USE A TRAILER HOOK. No ifs, ands or buts.

The trailer hook should be one size smaller than the spinnerbait, buzzbait or chatterbait size hook.

Glenn is right. If they do not hit spinnerbait hard then they 1) want another color; 2) are hitting out of aggravation; or 3) you need to change your technique and make a different presentation.

Just set that hook hard over your head and make sure there is no slack in the line. Keep rod tip up unless she starts to jump then put rod tip in water to stop jumping.

Try not to either fall down on the bank or fall out of the boat when setting the hook. I have fallen down on the bank but so far have not fallen out of the boat.  ;D

[Catt]

Speed is key...snap your wrists, setting the hook with your rod tip and not moving the position of your reel relative to your body.

[River Rat316]

Wow, so many opinions on this one. I use a mh rod with a Moderate fast tip and 10-17lb mono depending on the bait size I am using, I feel  a slower tip and the extra stretch of mono lets them get the bait in there mouth, on the hook set I make sure they are there by continuing to reel (for maybe 1 second usually just enough to feel their weight) Then I sweep the rod, by just rotating my hips and upper body away from the fish. There is alot of power in that movement and never any slack in the line before, during, or after the hook set, You also end up sweeping the tip of the rod about 5' give or take, so there is more than enough movement to drive the hook home, even with mono.  I have a very good hookup ratio and never use a trailer hook, I do however use long shank hooks on all my spinnerbaits and the hook comes to within a 1/2" of the end of the skirt. One thing not mentioned is checking the hook on your bait, if its not sharp get your file out and resharpen it, if that is not the problem change up colors, retrieves and blades until they hammer the snot out of it.

[RandySBreth]

Yeah, I don't use trailer hooks either. I use more compact spinners mostly, and even if I see the fish hit I reel until I feel weight, then sweep the rod to the side I'm already reeling on. I'm using mostly a Medium power rod with a Moderate action, and braided line.

I don't lose fish once hooked.