Losing Fish

[Hunterchap]

I started fishing around two months ago and I absolutely love it. It's all I've done all summer with my friends and I've learned alot about it, and I've caught alot of fish this summer. But, lately it's been horrible. I haven't caught anything at all lately and my friends still catch fish all the time. I was thinking I might need a longer rod or possibly learn to set the hook harder. I get plenty of bites using a senko worm but the fish always gets away. Should I set the hook immediately? Should I let the bass eat for awhile? I truly need help because I love fishing but I need to catch something soon. Any criticism or tips are welcome. Thanks.

[MarkH024]

What rod are you using?

[Hunterchap]

Right now I'm using a Berkley Amp rod

[aquaholic]

how shallow are you fishing? are you sure all these bites arent bluegill messing with it?

[MarkH024]

What is the length, power and taper? Ie: 6'6" medium/fast

[mddrew88]

It is a light rod, meaning ultra flexible? You can turn the rod over and it will tell you the action of the rod, light, medium, medium heavy, heavy etc. Length of the rod?

 

I've always been taught to wait until you can feel the weight of the fish, then set the hook. If you're feeling bumps that really could be anything from hitting rocks, weeds, bluegill, baitfish, you get the picture. Wait until it's tugging back then set it. Regardless I always count to one at minimum or you'll yank it right out of it's lips.

[SirSnookalot]

By your own admission you have caught a lot fish, just not doing it now.  Probably boils down to the way you are setting the hook.  Would a different rod be more beneficial, absolutely ! That said you have already proved you can do it with your present gear, if you stay with what you are using it's a matter or refining your technique.  I predict a 5 pounder for you in the next week.

[Catt]

Bass do not have hands

When you feel the first hint of a bite, drop the rod, reel the slack, & set the hook!

[AK-Jax86]

^lol bass don't have hands love it

[FrogFreak]

Poor bass without hands.

 

It's hard to say why you're missing the fish. Could be the way you're rigging, the bass may not be hitting as aggressive, you could have smaller fish nibbling on the ole lure. Did you catch a lot of those fish during the spawn and now they aren't as aggressive? I know the spawn always makes me feel like an awesome angler and then post spawn and especially late summer can be a reality check. I agree with SirSnookalot, the gear seems ok, it may be your technique. Did you change anything? Hooks, line? Lighter gauge hooks are easier to get through the plastic and into the fish. Are you t-rigging? We really need more information to give you better advice.

 

Just remember, hook sets are free!

[lmbfisherman]

Just remember, hook sets are free!

This line, I had to remind myself again.  I passed on a couple of bites one day thinking it was just weed...until I realized it was tugging back.  By then it was hard to set the hook!   

 

Anyway, it sounds like what everyone else is saying.  They are small "fish", short striking or you aren't waiting long enough for the bass to take it.  This last weekend, I texas rigged my BPS Stik O (knock off Senko).  I was able to tell when a small fish bit or bigger fish bit and when a fish takes it.   I normally set the hook when I see the line move, something feels off (don't feel the bait) or there is resistance (tugging back).  I don't normally set the hook a on a machine guy type tap or if my line dances oddly in a circle (usually a school of small panfish fighting over it)...

[Scott F]

If you are getting bites but losing them, maybe your hooks are dull. Have you sharpened your hooks?

[superdak01]

well through my experience and tips from these guys on here, it seems like you may be experiencing smaller fish hitting the senko.  ive learned that if a fish thats worth reeling in hits a senko/dinger, you dont have to let them "take" the bait before you set the hook. Just fish it with a little slack in the line while its in the water so they can suck it in there mouth (gigity). Ive gotten skunked the past 3 days, ive gotten hits, but its been small bass & decent blue gill biting the worm. Patience grasshopper, and listen to these guys, they are a great help. 

[rangerboy]

three thoughts on stick baits, stiff enough rod to set the hook.. with out falling over. lol. texas rig push the hook through and pinch the tip in the back. or if the bites are light try wacky rig. I don't like to wait until they swim off with it, only cause I don't want them to swallow the hook. but all comments are great. prob  small fish hitting your bait. you can all ways go smaller, 4in. bigger isn't all ways better. good luck

[HookSetDon]

Sounds like some bluegills, 9 times out of 10 if a bass sucks in a senko you can set the hook using a wet noodle

[GeorgiaBassBros]

I dont like the waiting to set the hook thing, i get fish swallowing the hook if i wait. Generally when i feel a bite, i reel down and cross their eyes

[ChasingBass]

I dont like the waiting to set the hook thing, i get fish swallowing the hook if i wait. Generally when i feel a bite, i reel down and cross their eyes

[ChasingBass]

Same here, and that might be your problem, make sure you reel in all of your slack line, sometimes when I fish with a senko, the fish will grab it and run with it before I even notice and when I feel something I set the hook with a slack line, make sure you have a direct connection to your hook and set it!

[South FLA]

Bass do not have hands

When you feel the first hint of a bite, drop the rod, reel the slack, & set the hook!

[South FLA]

Exactly, plus "set-ups" are free!

[Broc]

If it is your first summer, I think you just need more experience catching fish in general. Over time you develop a better sense of 'feel' and your hooking percentages should increase with practice.