Fluke hook-up ratio problems - when to set the hook?

[ryanGT]

I am fairly new to bass fishing (about two years) and I just started learning to fish the fluke about a week ago.  Before that, I mainly used weightless Senkos and Texas rigs.

 

I am getting lots of bites on my fluke and I have caught 2-3 LMBs.  But my hook-up ratio is probably 1 out of 5.  I feel multiple nibbles, sometimes I even see the line moving away.  But when I set the hook, it feel like I rip it out of their mouths.  I assume they started nibbling at the tail and didn't make it up to the hook.  

 

I am fishing from the bank and fairly shallow.  It is also the middle of the spawn here in west Michigan (I think).  I see some very nice size bass hanging out fairly shallow.  So, it is possible that I am stumbling across a bed and the bass is picking the fluke up by the tail and carrying it away from the bed.

 

Any suggestions for knowing when to set the hook and/or how to improve my fluke hook-up ratio?  

 

Thanks,

Ryan

[schplurg]

What size hook are you using?

 

Too small of a hook will make it difficult for a fish to get stuck as there won't be enough hook sticking out of the bait when the fish bites.

 

I usually use a 4/0 with a fluke, could use 3/0 I think.

 

Everything you said could be true too - disinterested spawners, short strikes etc....

[Deleted account]

4/0 round bend worm hook, bend the point up just a tad, set the hook by reeling slack and loading the rod, and then a sweep without any slack at any time. It is possible some of those short bites are from bed fish, I don't deliberately fish beds, but I find a hook point midway or further back will help with those.

[RealtreeByGod]

Could  just nose hook it 

[Basser2021]

1 hour ago, ryanGT said:

I am fairly new to bass fishing (about two years) and I just started learning to fish the fluke about a week ago.  Before that, I mainly used weightless Senkos and Texas rigs.

 

I am getting lots of bites on my fluke and I have caught 2-3 LMBs.  But my hook-up ratio is probably 1 out of 5.  I feel multiple nibbles, sometimes I even see the line moving away.  But when I set the hook, it feel like I rip it out of their mouths.  I assume they started nibbling at the tail and didn't make it up to the hook.  

 

I am fishing from the bank and fairly shallow.  It is also the middle of the spawn here in west Michigan (I think).  I see some very nice size bass hanging out fairly shallow.  So, it is possible that I am stumbling across a bed and the bass is picking the fluke up by the tail and carrying it away from the bed.

 

Any suggestions for knowing when to set the hook and/or how to improve my fluke hook-up ratio?  

 

Thanks,

Ryan

I made a thread about this a while back. I was having lots of issues with hooking up on flukes. It turns out I was using the wrong size hook and I was using a worm hook instead of an EWG. Since I switched to the EWG my hookup percentage is almost 100 percent.

Just now, Basser2021 said:

I made a thread about this a while back. I was having lots of issues with hooking up on flukes. It turns out I was using the wrong size hook and I was using a worm hook instead of an EWG. Since I switched to the EWG my hookup percentage is almost 100 percent.

As far as when to set the hook, I'm no expert on that. I would say set the hook just like a normal T-rig, and go with your gut. It might just be small fish grabbing the end of your fluke.

[padon]

a couple things here. they could be fish on beds just picking it up to move it as you stated. could also be panfish.when bass hit a fluke to EAT it they usually do so head first. you can pull the hook point through then just skin hook it so thay when pressure is put on the fluke the hook point pops out. also as stated bend the hook open just slightly and to the left or right just slightly. lastly you could nose hook it. if they eat it by the head youll hook almost all of them. lastly as said they wont spit it out vey quickly make sure you take up all the slack and then sweep hook set.i like an owner 4/0 screw lock hook.

[papajoe222]

As far as bedding fish grabbing and moving it off the bed, it's a possibility. Another is panfish, who will grab it and move it away from others, which is more common than you may think. I doubt that changing your hook would make much, if any, difference. I use an offset, round bend worm hook and I know lots of guys that swear by an EWG. 

Unless you actually see bass doing this, I really wouldn't change anything. Even if it is bass, there isn't much you can do but keep on doing. 

 

[QED]

I fish almost exclusively with ultralight gear.  With small soft plastic baits, one gets many bluegill or other sunfish/bream bites so those misses might not be bass at all.

[Bird]

I really like Zoom flukes and Assassins but Keitech seems to be a softer plastic......less durable, but softer.

I like a 3.0 EWG.

As mentioned, you could also nose hook them. I prefer using a spring twist as I feel it doesn't impede the walking action.

[NavyToad]

I started doing this and I’m glad I did. I still use a 4/0 hook, but I miss alot fewer fish. (very few actually) Try it - you have nothing to lose. I use a vise to hold the hook while I tie on the treble hook.

I only fish flukes as a jerkbait.

 

 

 

[geo g]

I fish almost everyday and 5 days a week from the bank.  I fish a Super Fluke almost everyday at some time.  I always use #3, or #4 EWG hooks, Texas Rigged with thin wire hooks.  They work great and seldom miss a hook set.  I also use as little weight as necessary for the conditions.  Usually weightless or a 1/32 weight.  This gives max movement for the bait with just a twitch of the rod tip.   If you detect a bite, take up the slack and wait until you feel a little weight then sweep it hard.  The thin wire hook make the sticking so much easier, just use good quality hooks.  From detection to hook set, only takes a second or two.  Don't wait too long or you will get gut hooked fish.  I have never had a big bass straighten the thin wire hooks, but I have had snakeheads, and mudfish, they can destroy them.  More time on the water will solve the problem.

[lynxcat]

On 5/25/2022 at 7:02 PM, ryanGT said:

I am fairly new to bass fishing (about two years) and I just started learning to fish the fluke about a week ago.  Before that, I mainly used weightless Senkos and Texas rigs.

 

I am getting lots of bites on my fluke and I have caught 2-3 LMBs.  But my hook-up ratio is probably 1 out of 5.  I feel multiple nibbles, sometimes I even see the line moving away.  But when I set the hook, it feel like I rip it out of their mouths.  I assume they started nibbling at the tail and didn't make it up to the hook.  

 

I am fishing from the bank and fairly shallow.  It is also the middle of the spawn here in west Michigan (I think).  I see some very nice size bass hanging out fairly shallow.  So, it is possible that I am stumbling across a bed and the bass is picking the fluke up by the tail and carrying it away from the bed.

 

Any suggestions for knowing when to set the hook and/or how to improve my fluke hook-up ratio?  

 

Thanks,

Ryan

I use a 4/0 Gama SuperLine most of the time. Rarely have an issue. 

[Finessegenics]

I like a 3/0 or 4/0 EWG. What line are you using? Spinning or casting? 

[Bankbeater]

I use a 3/0 EWG.  If the bass are really slamming the bait then I set the hook as soon as I feel weight on the end of the line.  If the bass are just mouthing it, or short striking it, then I let the bass have the fluke for a few seconds before setting the hook.