Wacky rig help

[The Hopper Show]

Help!

 

I am not new to fishing.  And definitely not new to bass, but I am a complete newb at wacky rigged senko drop shot fishing.  I cannot get a hook up!  I am not fishing large Texas size bass where I live.  Average size is 2-3 lbs.   A big bass is 4 lbs.  I understand the rig and have been very successful getting bit.  I have had a lot of strikes and even a couple fish on for a few seconds.  But I am struggling landing a fish using this technique. I am pretty confident that I am not getting a decent hook set.  I have tried everything from a slow gentle hook set, to a hard hook set, and everything in between.  I cannot keep a fish on for the life of me with this technique and it is driving me nuts.  Currently using Gamakatsu wide gap finesse in both sizes 1 and 2.  No dice.  Help! This is my Achilles tendon apparently. 

[XpressJeff]

Are you tieing the hook with a Palomar and then going back through so the weight actually holds the gap of the hook upward?

[The Hopper Show]

Just now, XpressJeff said:

Are you riding the hook with a Palomar and then going back through so the weight actually holds the gap of the hook upward?

correct. palomar knot with hook up.  tag end back through with drop shot tied to that.

[roadwarrior]

https://www.bassresource.com/content/search?SearchText=wacky+rig&BrowsePageLimit=30

 

[The Hopper Show]

looks like i am doing everything correctly, except everyone seems to be using a larger hook.  I will give that a shot. Seems overkill.

[ETX92]

Try using a 2/0 gold eagle claw aberdeen hook. I have great luck hanging them with that and the gold flash seems to help too.

[Crestliner2008]

I've never had a problem with Gamakatsu Drop Shot hook in size #2 with a wacky rigged Senko of 3" & 4". However, I use a "Goodie" band on the Senko and run the hook through that instead of the worm itself. There are articles here on rigging with Goodies and O-rings. There actually is no "hook-set" per say; rather just a slow lift & reel. You'll get them most every time this way.

[Darren.]

I'm also successful at using Gammy Finesse Wide gap in 2, and 1.

I do a lot of line watching, hence using yellow Power Pro braid and

I also tie on a leader of varying pound test.

 

Something that happens is a shortstrike. Usually when a bass is just

toying with the lure - at least that's how I describe it. Since you say 

you know bass fishing, you're familiar with a bass hit vs say a bluegill

machine gun rat tat tat hit?

 

I've had bass on wacky rigs all the way to the boat only to see them 

having a grasp of one of the ends of the wacky rig and not the hook.

 

It sounds like you need more practice  FWIW, I am using more 1/0 

size hooks lately, but honestly, the hook up percentage isn't that much

different.

[CTBassin860]

I'm using the VMC size 3 neko hooks.When you see the line moving,reel in and use a sweep set.

[TxHawgs]

If u look above at my post of Memorial day tackle fish caught, all those fish were caught on a wacky rig. Hook being used is the Gammy wide gap in 1/0. But the 1/0 was used because the worm was skinny. IMO that hook in that sz is too small for a Senko diameter bait. For a Senko bait I use the Gammy wicked wacky hook, forget the sz but at least a 1/0. I use a medium fast action NRX rod 14lb Sunline Shooter Invisible line and when the fish starts to swim w the worm I cross his eyes w and overhead hook set. Whenever I start fishing a new technique it usually takes several different hooks and time on the water to figure out what works for me. Like anything fishing and tackle comes down to a personal preference as we all fish differently, hope this helps.