Setting the hook

[11tenwma]

When fishing larger 10 inch + worms how long do you set the hook after you feel a bite. I was fishing a fairly clear reservoir and saw this small 6 inch bass before it saw me and figured what the heck, I casted my 6 inch culprit ribbon tail at it and it took it and held it. I was watching patiently for it to take the hooked part of the bait in it's mouth but it just swim off holding the tail. I felt the tug and "set" the hook knowing full well I was going to miss the fish but it got me thinking. How long should you wait for average size bass (13 to 15 inches at this reservoir) to take a zoom ol monster or is it simply just a a matter of luck. I've never fished bigger than 7" worms but I hear they're great when the weather gets warm

[visagelaid]

I hear you have to let the fish eat it for a second before setting the hook on the larger worms.  I heard it explained, if you feel the bite, you say to your self "there he is" or "there is a fish" and by the time youre done saying it, reel down and set the hook.  Pausing that little extra bit is what is needed i guess.  

[WTnPuddleJumper]

 With a Texas rig I like to "check" them before jerking.  Usually as soon as they hit it I will drop my line and watch it until it moves, then pop em.  With a Carolina rig I will drop the line and ease it back tight to see if they are still on there, then bust em

 

[fishballer06]

There are times where the fish will suck the entire bait down their throat the second they get to it, and there are other times where they will just grab the tail and swim around with it. Generally if you feel a "tap tap tap" it's a smaller fish trying to get the entire thing in it's mouth (or a panfish). 

 

For me, whenever I feel a bite, I will reel up any slack line and slightly lift my rod tip in order to try to feel the weight of the fish. If I feel the fish swimming off with it, or if I feel the weight of the fish, I will then set the hook. Most of the time this is successful for me. Other times, I have a ripped in half bait or a bait that is almost pulled off the hook. This will let you know that the fish didn't have the hook in it's mouth.

[LxVE Bassin]

If I feel anything tugging I will reel up the slack and setting the hook 8 times out of 10. I'll wait to feel the weight of the fish sometimes but I swing when in doubt. 

[Bluebasser86]

I set the hook as soon as I feel them. It takes a 15" bass no time at all to eat a bait that size. If you wait too long, you risk the chance of the bait getting balled up in their mouth and setting the hook back into the plastic.