Hooksets with Flukes

[Tucson]

Anything special about setting the hooks on a fluke?  Just started using them and lost my first bass at the boat today.  I'm using them T-rigged weightless.  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If I "see" the hit, meaning I am watching the fluke and then it just disappears, I will pause, then set.  Other than that, nothing different than any other t-rigged soft plastic.

[captaininsaneo]

I have always found that if I dont use a really hard hook set that I also tend to lose fish on a fluke. Also, reel in any slack you have in the line and point your rod at the fish, then set... hard.

[roadwarrior]

If I "see" the hit, meaning I am watching the fluke and then it just disappears, I will pause, then set. Other than that, nothing different than any other t-rigged soft plastic.

Same here.

I had a little luck with a 6" Slug-Go this weekend, nothing big, but no missed fish. I was using a 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook. This is the same hook I use for nearly all soft plastics.

[.ghoti.]

I use an EWG hook, rigged so the hook point and barb are laying flat on the top of the fluke. Not skin hooked, just laying there exposed. I miss very few fish, unless, like LBH stated, I saw the take and set too quickly. I vary the hook size from 2/0 to 5/0, depending on the depth I wish to fish.

Cheers,

GK

[David P]

I've had a few problems with hook sets as well..

 First time I fished them on Friday was the best day i've had this spring, and it was all because of the Flukes.

First bass I caught was a monster, and I thought I set the hook, but sure enough he got off.

Second bass, same problem.

I got fed up and hooked the Fluke through the back with the hook showing, and caught the same guy as before without a problem.

BUT I like having it Trig'd and weedless so put a bigger hook on there, and just practiced setting the hook EXTRA Hard.

When you watch them slurp in the bait, set that hook as hard as you can, and if you can't see, i'ts obviously harder, but just set the hook harder then normal. If I set the hook like I do with Senkos, the fish always get away.

[Garnet]

One thing with the fluke type baits is there bulk getting in the way of solid hooksets.

I wish that I could explain the mechnical advantage to the Bass Pro Shop copper head hook Dahishe (spelling) has same that is a little better.

They have a very long 60 degree jig hook with a copper spring. This long part creates a quick rotating hook in the mouth.

EWG advantage is that big round part giving room for bulky baits there disadvantage is not having great rotating so no mechcanial advantage.

Garnet

[Banor]

I was having this problem 2 weeks ago.  I was fishing it with my senko rod - equating the weightless presentation with needing a lighter rod.  I decided to bump up to a MH with a faster tip and it made all the difference in the world.  You really need a good hard hookset to get that 4/0 and 5/0 to penetrate.  I use a 5/0 most of the time for added weight.  I also leave the hook exposed and flush with the fluke.  If I'm in and around heavier cover I will skin hook it.

B

[hammer]

I always use a #4 EWG hook with 12-17lb mono. The Mono streches and allows the fish time to get a good lip on the fluke. I tried using a braid  :'(and had the same problem of missing the hook set.