Hookset And Landing Fish With Crankbaits

[Felix77]

I am starting to learn to fish with squarebills. Yesterday I got into a few Small mouth using a KVD 1.0. In each case they threw the bait. One time it flew right at my face. LOL.

I pulled to the side when I felt the bite and tried to keep the fish down. I was using a 6'6" Medium Fast spinning with 8lb Fluoro.

What did I do wrong? Could it have been the hooks too?

[Knightiac]

It can be tough, you have to find the right medium between hooksets. I prefer to use a moderate tip.

[Crappiebasser]

The hooks on the KVDs aren't too good IMO. I swap mine with Owner STX 58s.

[MarkH024]

SMB have tougher mouths than a largemouth. So either more of a hookset or try swapping out the hooks.  More than likely if you swap them out you'll solve your issue. I never really have too much problem with my stock KVD hooks until they need changing or I straighten one out on a log or something.

 

Did you see the hooks in the mouth? They may have just been skin hooked from swiping at it and not eating it. Just a thought...

[Felix77]

SMB have tougher mouths than a largemouth. So either more of a hookset or try swapping out the hooks. More than likely if you swap them out you'll solve your issue. I never really have too much problem with my stock KVD hooks until they need changing or I straighten one out on a log or something.

Did you see the hooks in the mouth? They may have just been skin hooked from swiping at it and not eating it. Just a thought...

In 2 cases I didn't see it. Just felt the fight (head shake) under the water. With the 3rd I clearly saw it in its mouth. It took two huge jumps. On the 2nd it threw the crankbait right back at me.

I will try swapping hooks and keep working at it.

[MarkH024]

As much as fun it is  to see them jump, try to keep them under.  Every jump creates slack line and if they have a weak hookset the will most certainly shake it.  I've lost countless smallies just by letting them jump...so I really try my best to keep them under to land them. Keep at it, you'll figure it out.  Best of luck

[Revival]

I just started using the 1.0/1.5 about 2 weeks ago and changed all my hooks after losing the first 2 bass that hit it.  Every new 1.0/1.5 I buy, will get new hooks.  Some people have not had a problem with them but Im not taking the chance.

[CPBassFishing]

The stock hooks on the KVD squarebills are ok but you do lose some fish. I swap them out with the KVD triplegrips. The wide gap design really keeps them buttoned. I'm using a medium action spinning rod with 10lb mono. As mentioned before, smallmouth have tougher jaws so you may have to set the hook harder.

[iabass8]

swap hooks out. what you experienced just happens with smallies. they love throwing hooks. i usually always sweep just a little harder than usual  if i'm into smallmouths on the river and it seems to work. i use a casting rod for 1.0s /w a moderate action.

[scottiedawg66]

crankbaits are my go to baits and in my experience rather than setting the hook with a huge swing I just reel very quickly and have good results.  for square bills i like to use a 6/6 medium rod with fast action with a 7:1 reel.  

[flyfisher]

Jumping fish is usually the worst thing for treble hooked baits.  I caught one yesterday on a DT10 and he shot to the top and i had to stick my rod under teh water to keep him from jumping...it worked

 

A solid sweep is all i use and it seems to help and i use a crankbait rod with braid.  A more faster action rod with mono/flouro your results may vary but the key is keeping pressure as the design of trebles creates a lot of leverage to throw hooks.

[BradH]

I use the stock hooks until they need to be replaced.  I also sharpen them if they need it.  They are fine.  I replace them with a Mustad 35647, #6 out back and a #4 up front (on a 1.5).  Most spinning rods are a little more forgiving than an equally rated casting rod.  You should be good with your medium fast.  Even when you do everything right you'll still loose a few.

[mnbassman23]

I started using the 1.5's this year and I have had 0 issues with stock hooks and keeping fish pegged. Maybe with more use the issues will come, but after catching 75-100 fish on one bait the hooks are still working great. I use a MHM action rod with 10lb mono and its worked great for all my squarebills. 

[BassAssassin726]

Ive been using the 1.5 and 2.5 a lot this year. I really like the 2.5 the best. I never have any problems keeping fish pegged. 

[Bankbeater]

I will use the hooks that come on the bait.  I sharpen them before I go out on the water with a small hook file.  If I am pulling through weeds and bouncing off wood I will give those hooks a quick hit with the file while I'm out on the water.

[hookset on 3]

I agree with Bankbeater. You wouldn't believe the difference that touching up a hook with a few short, properly angled swipes of a file will do for your landing fish percentage.

 

Be careful not to file off too much metal, because the longer the tip the sharper it is.