St Croix Mojo Bass Thrown Hooks

[ToothyCritter]

Quick background, I fly fish but ND isn't too cooperative so I've taken up conventional tackle recently. Not new to fishing, but new to this side of it. 

 

I've got a 7' MH moderate fast Mojo Bass spinnerbait casting rod spooled with 20lb braid that is haunting me. Had a day on the water in September that could have been an awesome day of smallmouth fishing, except that multiple fish threw the hook on the jump and I lost most that day. It was infuriating. I was fishing with a 1/2oz chatterbait and couldn't get a solid hook set for the life of me. Fishing from the bank and casts were pretty far because that's where the fish were. Have also lost fish with this rod using spoons, which confuses me seeing as the hooks are open and fairly light wire. 

 

Does the spinnerbait rod simply not have enough backbone to set the hook home at that distance? Is there something I should have been doing differently? I've never lost so many fish in one day. Any ideas from experienced folks would be great. 

 

 

 

 

[FryDog62]

Not the rod, but the line might be your issue, not on the hook-set but keeping fish pinned. May sound counter-intuitive, but I'd consider some line with more "give" than braid. 12 lb mono, fluorocarbon, or co-polymer might do the trick.  Prevents the fish from getting leverage against a non-stretch braid, which can create a split second of slack, and the ability to spit the hook. Bank fishing around cover/rocks I'd recommend Trilene XT, Big Game or Yo-Zuri Hybrid. Those are thicker lines so you can probably get by with 10 pound test with a spinnerbait. 

[Mobasser]

Have you checked to make sure your hooks are sharp?

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

May sound counter-intuitive, but I'd consider some line with more "give" than braid.

On a fast rod, definitely.

 

4 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Have you checked to make sure your hooks are sharp?

And don't assume that 'new out of the package' hooks are sharp...I've come across dull ones.

[ToothyCritter]

Hook was pretty sticky. I'll try something other than (my beloved) braid. Thanks for the tip @FryDog62

[Deleted account]

Yeah, if the fish were on for more than a moment, and they threw the hook when they changed direction or jumped, it's most likely  user error in conjunction with the unforgiving nature of braid in applying even pressure, but without seeing it, could be other factors as well. If anything a softer rod would help, as might a mono leader.

[ToothyCritter]

9 minutes ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah, if the fish were on for more than a moment, and they threw the hook when they changed direction or jumped, it's most likely  user error in conjunction with the unforgiving nature of braid in applying even pressure, but without seeing it, could be other factors as well. If anything a softer rod would help, as might a mono leader.

Most were on for a bit while bringing them in, and usually threw the jig on a jump. One was huge when it came out of the water (typical story I know lol). So to negate user error if I were to keep the braid, reel faster to maintain tension on the line? Apply more sideward pressure on the rod? 

[Bass Rutten]

It very well could’ve just been they were just in a nipping mood that day. I’ve found a loose grip and a high rod position on the retrieve helps when it comes to braided line, stiffer rods, tentative fish, or all of the above. On the take feed it to them a little by slowly lowering the rod position and keeping semi-slack line tension, after a short pause reel down and set the hook when you feel the weight of the fish. If that doesn’t work, I’d switch tactics.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, ToothyCritter said:

I was fishing with a 1/2oz chatterbait

 

1 hour ago, ToothyCritter said:

the hooks are open and fairly light wire. 

Not really. They're jig hooks. Sounds like you weren't getting a good hookset to begin with.

[FishTank]

I would say it's the line but it's hard to be sure. Maybe try a leader with it before replacing it.

 

Usually when people say they are losing fish where they have a hook set and they toss the bait on a jump, the angler has turned the fish/rod over. Instead of the fish being pinned, it's now in a position where it can just pull the hook out with a head shake.

[ToothyCritter]

9 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

 

Not really. They're jig hooks. Sounds like you weren't getting a good hookset to begin with.

Open light hook was in reference to the spoons, not the jig. 

 

8 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Maybe try a leader with it before replacing it.

 

 

the angler has turned the fish/rod over. Instead of the fish being pinned, it's now in a position where it can just pull the hook out with a head shake.

I'll give a leader a go. Mind explaining what you mean by turn the fish/rod over? 

[Deleted account]

43 minutes ago, ToothyCritter said:

Most were on for a bit while bringing them in, and usually threw the jig on a jump. One was huge when it came out of the water (typical story I know lol). So to negate user error if I were to keep the braid, reel faster to maintain tension on the line? Apply more sideward pressure on the rod? 

 

I'm reluctant to give advice without confirming the diagnosis lest we fix a problem that doesn't exist, but keeping even pressure while maintaining a consistent loaded rod is the goal. When they jump, specially if most of that 1/2 oz lure is outside the mouth, it's a bit of a crap shoot, I like to keep them from jumping in the first place, but if they do, keep just enough pressure for the lure not to swing loosely, sometimes easier said than done. 

[WRB]

2 hours ago, ToothyCritter said:

Quick background, I fly fish but ND isn't too cooperative so I've taken up conventional tackle recently. Not new to fishing, but new to this side of it. 

 

I've got a 7' MH moderate fast Mojo Bass spinnerbait casting rod spooled with 20lb braid that is haunting me. Had a day on the water in September that could have been an awesome day of smallmouth fishing, except that multiple fish threw the hook on the jump and I lost most that day. It was infuriating. I was fishing with a 1/2oz chatterbait and couldn't get a solid hook set for the life of me. Fishing from the bank and casts were pretty far because that's where the fish were. Have also lost fish with this rod using spoons, which confuses me seeing as the hooks are open and fairly light wire. 

 

Does the spinnerbait rod simply not have enough backbone to set the hook home at that distance? Is there something I should have been doing differently? I've never lost so many fish in one day. Any ideas from experienced folks would be great. 

 

 

 

 

Yes change your hook set technique.

When you detect a strike in lieu of rod setting simply crank your reel fast to load up the rod then sweep it back firmly. Do not let the bass gas slack line.

Set your drag at 4 lbs., you don’t need a leader with single hook moving lures like spinnerbait or chatterbait.

Tom

[FishTank]

51 minutes ago, ToothyCritter said:

I'll give a leader a go. Mind explaining what you mean by turn the fish/rod over? 

I see this a lot and I am guilty myself. So this just speculation on your specific scenario...

 

Assuming your right handed,  you set the hook somewhere between 2 and 3 o'clock on your right side, the hook is in the left side of the fishes mouth, the fish jumps, you lower your rod and it puts slack in the line, and then you turn the rod to your left between 9 and 10 fighting the fish. If you had stayed to your right, the hook should potentially be facing up. If turned to your left, the fish is no longer pinned and the hook is on the bottom.  The fish shakes its head and the bait pops out. 

 

I hope I'm explaining this theory correctly.  You see it more on a boat when the fish gets close and goes passed the angler when they reach down to lip it.

[A-Jay]

@ToothyCritter Dumping fish is always a bummer. 

I fish my open water spinnerbaits on a 7'4" MH Mod Composite rod

and 15 lb FC line. 

This set up allows me to get a solid hook set and keep the rod bent until the fish is in the net.

I might lose one or two a season but it's pretty rare.

My advice is to keep the stick you have but switch out the braid and go with the 12-15 lb Fluorocarbon, Copolymer or Monofilament Fishing Line of your choice.  

 

In the clips below there's plenty of chances for the bass to throw the hook - not happening.

https://youtu.be/NpVmd8ll1Dg?t=162

https://youtu.be/Z95g3H4qmp0?t=83

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I fish my open water spinnerbaits on a 7'4" MH Mod Composite rod

and 15 lb FC line. 

My spinner/chatter rig is a 7'0" MH/MF with 15#FC - not quite as much 'give' as a full Mod, but enough backbone to set the heavier hooks and enough action to keep them pinned.

[ToothyCritter]

Lots of great advice here that I'm taking in. I cast right handed and reel left, so no hand switching going on. Seems the main thing is the hook set I'm using (not winding down slack before setting). Also possibly the braid. I'll do some experimenting once we ice out. 

 

I've got a couple other baitcaster setups, but would hate to see this one gather dust. My wife bought it for me for my birthday lol. 

 

Helpful group of folks here! 

[waymont]

I guess I go against the grain here. I don’t think you’re going to get a good hook set with mono/fc and a moderate rod at the end of your far cast. Your rig sounds good to me. First things I’d do is make sure all hooks are very sharp, and add a trailer hook.

[Bird]

7 hours ago, ToothyCritter said:

Quick background, I fly fish but ND isn't too cooperative so I've taken up conventional tackle recently. Not new to fishing, but new to this side of it. 

 

I've got a 7' MH moderate fast Mojo Bass spinnerbait casting rod spooled with 20lb braid that is haunting me. Had a day on the water in September that could have been an awesome day of smallmouth fishing, except that multiple fish threw the hook on the jump and I lost most that day. It was infuriating. I was fishing with a 1/2oz chatterbait and couldn't get a solid hook set for the life of me. Fishing from the bank and casts were pretty far because that's where the fish were. Have also lost fish with this rod using spoons, which confuses me seeing as the hooks are open and fairly light wire. 

 

Does the spinnerbait rod simply not have enough backbone to set the hook home at that distance? Is there something I should have been doing differently? I've never lost so many fish in one day. Any ideas from experienced folks would be great. 

 

 

 

 

I throw 20# braid exclusively with casting gear and Spinnerbaits happen to be my bait of choice in many circumstances, a favorite bait.

I only use 3/8 - 1/4 Spinnerbaits on a 6'9 med action and rarely lose a fish.

Braid doesn't stretch so a sweeping hook set is all that's needed and the Med action rod stays loaded preventing spitting the hook. 

Not sure why but bass love to jump when a Spinnerbait is in their mouth.

 

[ToothyCritter]

Braid gang unite! ?

[Darth-Baiter]

I would eliminate the easy stuff first. 

 

double check hooks.  you did.

your drag right?   is it so loose it is letting go at then hookset?  I have to watch my buds.  they have been known to loosen my drags as a joke.  hahahha.  funny.

 

I think your rod with braid is a good match. 

[Boomstick]

My kid uses this rod for spinnerbaits an chatterbaits with 15lb mono or fluoro and hardly ever loses a fish. So I don't think a lack of power is the problem here. I cannot attest from experience how this rod behaves with braid, but I would think it would be a good choice with braid as it has a little bit of give to it, although with braid, thee rod will not be so forgiving if you set the hook too soon.

 

As per the spoon, I am assuming that you were throwing smaller spoons that you might throw on a lighter rod with smaller sized hooks? If that's the case as I suspect, the rod plus braid probably has too much power for the treble hooks.

 

On 3/23/2023 at 8:20 PM, waymont said:

I guess I go against the grain here. I don’t think you’re going to get a good hook set with mono/fc and a moderate rod at the end of your far cast. Your rig sounds good to me. First things I’d do is make sure all hooks are very sharp, and add a trailer hook.

 

The specific rod is moderate fast and has a solid amount of tip to it and works well with mono and fluoro. However, I don't think it's too stiff for braid.

[VolFan]

As a ‘someone has to say it’ - make sure  your braid isn’t slipping on the spool. It could be tight enough to reel but not tight enough for a good hook set and fight. Just a thought.

[KP Duty]

I'd switch to a mono/copoly line, and make sure my rod tip was down and ready to plunge in the water if you feel him coming up.

[MontclairDave]

On 3/23/2023 at 4:20 PM, WRB said:

Set your drag at 4 lbs., you don’t need a leader with single hook moving lures like spinnerbait or chatterbait.

Interesting! So, you are not of the camp that fish are line-shy to braid? Or they can “hear” braid under water? Frankly, I’ve not seen a big difference in hookups with moving baits and leaders vs straight braid either; if I use leaders it’s because I’m around rocks and I’ve lost too many fish to cut braid on rocks that I finally learned my lesson. (Sorry to OP for the thread hijack!)