Pinky Finger Pain When Setting The Hook

[sbeetz]

I am just getting back into bass fishing hard core after several years off. This is also my first year using a baitcaster. I used to only use spin cast gear. I am having a problem when setting the hook on a fish. The trigger (?) on the rod is digging into my pinky, close to the webbing of the finger and causing some pretty noticeable pain. I hold the rod with the trigger between my ring and pinky finger because it is the only way that feels comfortable, minus the pain on hook sets. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what can I do to not get that pain? Thanks for any help and advice.

[TrippyJai]

Try another reel or mount your reel onto another rod. Sometimes, certain reel can cause pain.

[F14A-B]

Pretty much what trippy said, you could be aggravating nerves by holding that rod that way.

[ATX]

Do you wear a wedding ring? Sometimes my pinky will hurt on a hard hook set but its from my ring pressing against my pinky finger. If I'm pitching our flipping I'll take it off and hang it on my neckless.

[sbeetz]

It has been on multiple different rods and reels. I do wear a wedding ring but have taken it off and still get the pain on hard hook sets. Especially frog fishing. Are there any decent, inexpensive rods out there for baitcasters without the trigger?

[J Francho]

The only way that's comfortable is causing pain? Doesn't sound right. Palm the reel, with all your fingers in front of the trigger. The rod should be between your index and middle finger, with your index resting just below the line guide. See if that helps. Other than that, Advil or go back to spinning. You have to get used to a grip that doesn't cause pain.

[Bluebasser86]

Do like J said and put all your fingers in front of the trigger or move your hand back slightly so it comes out between your ring and middle fingers. I've had the same issue a couple times and all I had to do was adjust my grip slightly. A pair of sun gloves acts as a little cushion too and can help a lot. 

[Deleted account]

It has been on multiple different rods and reels. I do wear a wedding ring but have taken it off and still get the pain on hard hook sets. Especially frog fishing. Are there any decent, inexpensive rods out there for baitcasters without the trigger?

 

 

If its happening with all or most rods, it probably has to do with how you are holding the rod. If you don't wish to change that, you can modify the grip by reducing or eliminating the trigger to whatever feels confortable. This could entail having a rod builder doing it, or you can grind it down, and fill it with bondo or the like. I don't like a long skinny trigger, and wouldn't mind rods without one at all. Another thing I do is wrap handles with tennis overgrips. It comes down to personal preference, and what feels right. 

[sbeetz]

Thanks for all the advice, I will put it to use while I am on vacation.

[Ratherbfishing]

If all else fails, amputate!  ;  )

[georgeyew]

I had the same pain in my pinky. I fixed it by moving all my fingers in front of the trigger. I do that with my spinning rods too. Haven't had finger pain since.

[Tywithay]

Get out a saw and sandpaper. Either get rid of the trigger or the finger.

[Dwight Hottle]

Get out a saw and sandpaper. Either get rid of the trigger or the finger.

 

 

You would not be the first guy to remove a trigger because it's in the way or uncomfortable.

[tcbass]

I had the same problem with a St. Croix Rage baitcasting rod but it was one of my middle fingers. I think the part of the rod that goes thru the grip for sensitivity was hitting a nerve.

Gave the rod 3 trips worth and it still had the problem. Changed rods and never had the problem again.

[jason41987]

id just change your grip around.. try to get comfortable, check for any edges that may be protruding on the trigger, maybe sand it down some, or just get a new rod, ive never had the issue but i keep the trigger between my middle and ring

[Kevin22]

These guys nailed it. You'll have to change your grip. I hold it the same way you do and have no problems, but its different for each person.

 

You may try to think about how you are holding the rod when you set the hook. Are you loosely holding it to where the rod moves when you set the hook? 

[jason41987]

its like going to the doctor and saying "hey doc, it hurts when i do this" and the doctor responds with "well then dont do that"

[ThatZX14Fella]

I keep the trigger grip between my middle finger and ring finger. I used to keep it between my index and middle finger but I feel like I have more control and power the way I hold it now.

[sbeetz]

Thanks for all the replies. I moved my grip. I am now holding with all fingers in front of the trigger. So far, no pain. I didn't think I would have enough power to set the hook when gripping that way. I was wrong. Again thanks, this is quickly becoming my favorite fishing website.

[J Francho]

If you can, try holding the rod with the butt but, under your elbow, then your locked and loaded for a hookset.

[NDH Fishing]

I've had the same problem except my pinky went numb when I set the hook and after I regained feeling in my pinky, then it started to hurt. Doctor said it was nerve damage, and to NOT FISH. Well I was not gonna not fish, so, I held the rod so that when I set the hook it put pressure on a different part of my hand. Easier said than done, I had to switch to spinning gear to do this, but it healed up I guess, and I've never felt that pain again. I think it all starts with ONE hookset that just gets a bad part of your hand.