Bass swallowing hooks

[Jim Sutter]

Is there away to prevent bass from swallowing hooks when using worms made by companies like Zoom and Senko? 

[moguy1973]

What hooks rigging are you using?  I don't think I've ever had a bass swallow a Senko when it's been Texas rigged or wacky rigged using any hook.

[BrianMDTX]

How long do you let the bass run with the Senko before driving the hook home?

[tander]

When you feel the bump, set the hook, there is no need of waiting.

[Michigander]

You're waiting too long after the bite to set the hook.

[MN Fisher]

X2 - X3 - whatever...

 

If it does swallow the hook?

[scaleface]

You have to learn to recognize the bite then set the hook . They should not swallow it if the hook set is made in a timely matter . I never haver bass swallow those lures .

[Michigander]

1 hour ago, scaleface said:

You have to learn to recognize the bite then set the hook . They should not swallow it if the hook set is made in a timely matter . I never haver bass swallow those lures .

I had some swallow the hook when I first started fishing weightless Senkos. My timing was all wrong. Now I have it down and haven't had a problem since.

[fin]

You may not be keeping your line tight, which wouldn't surprise me, because I've noticed some people recommend a slack line with senkos. I don't hardly ever use senkos myself. On the occasions that I have gut hooked bass with a Zoom worm, it has been due to a fish running off with my worm before I ever got my line tightened after casting, like when the worm is floating downstream towards me and the fish grabs it and runs downstream too.

 

You also may need a more sensitive rod. Or you're just reacting too slowly, like everyone has already said.

 

I don't think there's any way you can put any style of hook in a worm so wrong that it gut hooks a fish.

 

 

[Michigander]

If fishing on slack line, the sensitivity of the rod, or lack thereof, is basically a non factor for most people. I'm told some ultra high end rods would pick up the bite, but I sure don't have that kind of money/gear.

 

You have to watch the line for any subtle movement that you didn't cause.

[Jim Sutter]

Folks, thank you for all of your replies. Sounds like I need to set the hook faster. Normally, I'm using a St. Croix medium seven foot rod with Power Pro braided line. The hook I use is a Gamakatsu finesse wide gap.

[Born 2 fish]

I use hi viz yellow braid when fishing senkos so I can really see the bite.

[BrianMDTX]

If I recall, I believe Senkos are worked on a semi-slack vs slack line. Which I take as the line is just below being reeled tight. So the fish has a little give when taking the Senko, but not enough slack to swim off for seconds before you can reel all the slack out of the line. 
 

Regardless, most bass I have caught on a Texas rig Senko have been just as they’ve bottomed out, while wacky-style seem to get taken as soon as or just after they enter the water. 

[papajoe222]

Two things I suggest; High viz line and circle hooks. Circle hooks are designed to eliminate this problem. You’ll learn how to detect bites sooner with experience, but until that time, you’ll injure fewer fish. 

[Jim Sutter]

Born to fish, BrianMDTX and papajoe222.

Thank you for all your thoughts and information. Circle hooks will be purchased and used.

[Hammer 4]

Circle hooks are especially useful when using a drop shot, and whacky rigging.

 

Keeping one of your fingers on the line at all times will help detect bites. 

[papajoe222]

3 hours ago, Jim Sutter said:

Circle hooks will be purchased and used.

When you use circle hooks, a hook-set with the rod is a no no. Just hold your rod tip in the 10:00 position and reel. Let the hook do it’s job. 

[OnthePotomac]

I debarb my single hooks and keep this on hand to reach in, grab the hook, turn it and lift it out.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-squeeze-out-hook-remover

[CrankFate]

I’ve only seen this happen when people dead stick with bait.