What Should I Do Different To Prevent Bass From Getting Gut Hooked?

[DJ 6_6]

<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1002735_10200516132000728_403241153_n.jpg">

 

One of two bass I caught Sunday afternoon at Lake of the Woods on my parents boat.  had 4 back to back bites in the span of 10 minutes, missed the first two fish (passed the rod to my GF so she could catch her first bass, and he got off).   But the last two fish I landed, were both gut hooked.  Fortunately I was able to get the hook out with little damage to the fish, and they both survived.  I'm setting the hook as soon as I feel the fish, but maybe I'm using the wrong type of hook for the application.  its a small #1 J hook.   I think its more of a drop shot type of hook, but its all I have on me to fish Senko wacky style.

 

For those of you who do alot of wacky rigging with Senkos, what type of hook is best to still ensure good hook up ratio, but with out the fish swallowing the hook?   Thanks!

[Felix77]

Sometimes that's just the way they are taking the bait.  There are a few things I tried to do with my wacky setup to help with this.  Note it won't prevent it from happening per-se but maybe give you a better chance of hooking them before it goes too deep into their mouth.  It's all about feeling the bite ...

 

1 - Braid - Transmits the bite the best.  (Fluoro leader if you are in clear water)

2 - Good quality Medium rod with a fast tip.  IMO helps with feeling the sensation into your hands.

 

As soon as you feel the bite reel into them.  If you wait too long they could swallow it and then are hooked deep as a result.

 

Hope this helps.

[MCS]

You can also bend the barb down with pliers. It helps get the hook removed without damage. As long as you keep the line tight you shouldn't have a problem losing too many. And you have to weigh possibly lose a few but save a few. I will bend them down when I fish plastics that I have had this problem before, "slack line" presentations/hook ups if you will, such as flukes with me, I tend to do a long sweep and they hit before the slack it out and engulf the bait.

[Hyrule Bass]

its going to happen at times, just learn the "through the gills" hook removal method for gut hooked fish...

[CPBassFishing]

Call me crazy, but I actually use a 1/0 circle hook for wacky rigging. I set the hook normally and they are usually hooked pretty good in the corner of the mouth and they don't get off.

[NEjitterbugger]

My favorite way to fish a senko is texas rigged weightless, very rarely do I get a gut hook...

[DJ 6_6]

Ive just had more success on wacky rig, but haven only just started fishing the bait the last 4-5 times out.

 

Bending down the barb sounds like the answer or trying a circle hook.  I know thats what they use for live bait when fishing for large game fish in the ocean.

 

Red Earth....is there a link that talks about removing the hook throguh the gill plate?  never heard of it.

[Bassmass21]

you cant really do anything about it just make sure u dont try to slam it when you feel a bite when fishing a senko, use a sharp hook and just reel fast and drag kinda how you would hook set with a crank bait and if it is gut hooked shouldnt be hard to get out. when fishing senkos the bass suck the whole this in and swallow and run so truly senkos are throat shredders for bass.

[CPBassFishing]

Ive just had more success on wacky rig, but haven only just started fishing the bait the last 4-5 times out.

 

Bending down the barb sounds like the answer or trying a circle hook.  I know thats what they use for live bait when fishing for large game fish in the ocean.

 

Red Earth....is there a link that talks about removing the hook throguh the gill plate?  never heard of it.

here ya go. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12981-how-do-i-remove-a-hook-a-bass-has-swallowed/page-2

[DJ 6_6]

Thanks CPnd Bassmass, i'll definitely try that next time.

[Sam]

Continue to fish the Senko wacky rigged but try to set the hook sooner.

 

I use a 1/0 weedless hook for my wacky Senkos unless I am fishing in an area where one can catch the very large bass and then I will go with a weedless 3/0.

 

Remember to have a finger on your line to feel the "tap tap" and watch your line.

 

If your line starts to move to the right or left, reel in the slack and set the hook hard over your head.

 

If you cast the wacky rig and it stops, a bass has taken the bait on the way down. Set the hook.

 

Have fun.

[PoorBoyBassin]

Ive been throwing mine on a gama 2/0 weedless wacky,

and Im getting ready to try the Trokar wacky hook "for the sharpness"

Now this is going to sound crazy but I throw mine on 10pound Berkley Trilene BigGame.

On a 6ft BPS tourney specail IM8 spinning rod(medium action/Fast tip), paired with a Qautum Qvex20

Believe it or not with that set up right there, my hook up ratio is about 90% of the fish that hit it.

with about 1% being gut hooked.

There is no hook set to speak of, its more of a sweeping motion for me,  and you have to pay close attention, feeling the line with your fingers to detect bites

other wise your not feeling it, but rather seeing your line take off. I use the side sweeping motion for my hook sets, and its seems to work well.

I dont lose many fish in the way of breaking me off, with the pole Im using, an keeping the drag set light , no reason for me to break off unless its a

toothie critter!

 

I know people that throw a normal strike king C hook with no weed guard an have good hook up ratios as well.

 

Its all about what you feel comforable with throwing.

[georgeyew]

Hey DJ,

 

I sometimes use circle hooks also to keep from gut hooking the fish. I can give you a couple to try out.

[DJ 6_6]

<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1002735_10200516132000728_403241153_n.jpg">

 

One of two bass I caught Sunday afternoon at Lake of the Woods on my parents boat.  had 4 back to back bites in the span of 10 minutes, missed the first two fish (passed the rod to my GF so she could catch her first bass, and he got off).   But the last two fish I landed, were both gut hooked.  Fortunately I was able to get the hook out with little damage to the fish, and they both survived.  I'm setting the hook as soon as I feel the fish, but maybe I'm using the wrong type of hook for the application.  its a small #1 J hook.   I think its more of a drop shot type of hook, but its all I have on me to fish Senko wacky style.

 

For those of you who do alot of wacky rigging with Senkos, what type of hook is best to still ensure good hook up ratio, but with out the fish swallowing the hook?   Thanks!

 

Sometimes that's just the way they are taking the bait.  There are a few things I tried to do with my wacky setup to help with this.  Note it won't prevent it from happening per-se but maybe give you a better chance of hooking them before it goes too deep into their mouth.  It's all about feeling the bite ...

 

1 - Braid - Transmits the bite the best.  (Fluoro leader if you are in clear water)

2 - Good quality Medium rod with a fast tip.  IMO helps with feeling the sensation into your hands.

 

As soon as you feel the bite reel into them.  If you wait too long they could swallow it and then are hooked deep as a result.

 

Hope this helps.

I use 10 # flouro on my light tackle rod that I fish the wacky rig with....

[DJ 6_6]

I think maybe my hook is a size or two small.  I have 2/0 worm hooks, EWG..would that work?

Guess I need to buy 1/0 wacky hooks.   using #1 might be a bit too small.  Im doing  side sweep hook.  I fish the lure by casting it out and letting it sink.  then I real the slack up and hold my rod tip low(waist height) to the side i drag it about a foot and shake the tip.   shake the tip again and drag.   I often feel the bite by when I go to drag the worm..it feels extra heavy, thats when I sweep hard and set the hook.

I have heard about keeping my finger on the line, never done it before but I'll try to mke it a force of habit.

[DJ 6_6]

Hey DJ,

 

I sometimes use circle hooks also to keep from gut hooking the fish. I can give you a couple to try out.

Cool, I'm willing to try them.   Fishing at all Sunday?   Only free day I have this weekend.   Have two back to back gigs on Saturday.

[georgeyew]

i can fish on sunday after 4pm

[DJ 6_6]

George,

I'll keep an eye on the weather and text  you this weekend.