Throwing the hook

[DanielG]

I have a berkley #7 crank bait for the first time. I'm a big fan of their single hook shad swim baits.

 

I have more strikes with this crank bait than with anything else I've ever had. Thing is they don't hook. The hook releases at various points, a few seconds after the strike, halfway reeling in, or sometimes right up to the boat.  The fish are 1-2 lb small mouth bass. I've tried setting the hook, letting them mouth it for awhile, nothing seems to work. No problem with other lures. But these two sets of treble hooks just don't hold. And they're not bent or dull at all. Any idea what's going on? I'm losing all my fish. Six just this morning.

[Black Hawk Basser]

What type of rod?  I find that using a moderate action rod helps keep crankbait fish hooked.  Extra fast rods tend to allow enough slack in the line to let fish come unhooked.  The moderate action rod will not allow as much slack when fighting fish.

 

Other than dull hooks or user error, the above would be my only other assumption.

[DanielG]

4 minutes ago, Pickle_Power said:

What type of rod?  I find that using a moderate action rod helps keep crankbait fish hooked.  Extra fast rods tend to allow enough slack in the line to let fish come unhooked.  The moderate action rod will not allow as much slack when fighting fish.

 

Other than dull hooks or user error, the above would be my only other assumption.

Could be... My rod is flexible. Just never have an issue with larger single hooks. And I'd think that after setting and the fish pulling on a treble hook it would be reasonably secure. As you can see, I'm sort of a troll and pray fisherman. Not too scientific about it.

[papajoe222]

The problem is a result of the equipment you are using. Although the hooks are small, the bait is hard and when a fish takes it in its mouth and closes it, a good hook-set is needed to expose the hooks to flesh.  Many times, the fish will hook themselves attempting to expel the lure. Either way, you need line with some stretch, but not so much that you can't get the hooks to penetrate 10-12lb. is the norm for fluorocarbon. The other thing to consider is the rod and how you position it during the retrieve. Keep the tip pointed down and use a rod with a med/med heavy power and a moderate action.  Keeping the tip down allows you to move more line when sweep setting the hook while cranking the reel. 

[Deleted account]

0 for 6 suggests that it may be both equipment AND technique. A soft rod, some 10-12 lb mono, and triple grips® would have even Hellen Keller up to 3 or 4 out of 6. With sharp hooks and that setup , a gentle sweep set and steady pressure will have one up to 6 out of 6, 5.9876543210 anyway...

[FishingGeekTX]

Keep good tension on the line the entire time you reel them in is #1.  It seems like you hook them, but they throw it/work it out.  They can't do that easily under tension.

 

Similarly, try to keep them from breaking the surface where they can more easily throw it.

 

As everyone has mentioned, some have better success with a softer rod tip (moderate fast to moderate), and/or monofilament line for extra stretch on top of that.  Hooks sharp and a sweep instead of a jerk on hookset.

 

That's about it.

 

 

[DanielG]

Thanks everyone. I'll keep this all in mind in the future.

[DanielG]

Well, right now I've got a florocarbon line with a Dobyns Fury medium rod. Sure enough I am hooking more than not now. Thnx.