Rod position when reeling in chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, etc.

[BrianMDTX]

When you reel in a chatterbait or spinnerbait, do you keep the rod tip pointed at the bait, or at a 45° or 90° angle? I find I get better feedback to how the bait “feels” during the retrieve with the tip angled vs. straight at the bait, but to be honest, I’m not sure if that’s the best position as far as hooksets or the action of the bait. 
 

What say you? I still kinda suck with spinnerbaits but my chatterbait success is starting to climb. 

[scaleface]

I think I retrieve them at an angle . I never thought much about it.

 

Now that I thought about it, yep, I retrieve them at an angle most of the time.

[MN Fisher]

Spinners and chatters - 30-45 degree up angle. Gives me the feel of the lure and plenty of 'room' for a hookset.

[Jig Man]

Unless you have heavy line an angle is your best bet, but you don’t need much.

[J Francho]

Moving baits can get slammed. Having an a angle offers all the insurance the bend of the rod can provide. 45-60* is plenty. 

[Jar11591]

All depends on how deep I’m trying to run the bait. It’s always at some sort of <90° angle. 

[Catt]

I use the rod tip to guide moving baits in, through, & around cover. I also use the rod tip & retrieval speed to change the depth the lure is running. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Low, to the side with tip about a couple feet from the water

 

Took me awhile to figure that's the deal in terms of getting fantastic hookup percentages. 

[WRB]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

I use the rod tip to guide moving baits in, through, & around cover. I also use the rod tip & retrieval speed to change the depth the lure is running. 

^^^this^^^

Tom

[BrianMDTX]

Ok, so while I was doing it “right”, now I know for sure lol. Thanks for the replies! 

[Catt]

11 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I find I get better feedback to how the bait “feels” during the retrieve with the tip angled vs. straight at the bait, but to be honest, I’m not sure if that’s the best position as far as hooksets or the action of the bait. 

 

Think about what @WRB & I said, when you're guiding a moving bait with your rod tip, there's your angle.

 

With moving bait you really don't need a cross their eyes hooksets. I just lean on em & keep reeling.

[LrgmouthShad]

Depth control

 

Sometimes I reel with my rod tip almost in the water. Other times I'm up higher at about a 45. I'd say somewhere around a 20-30 is my standard angle. 

[Cbump]

I’ve never pointed the rod at any bait in reeling in. 

[FrnkNsteen]

I keep mine at an angle as well, mainly so I can watch the tip and feel the blade working. If it stops vibrating or goes slack, I reel down and get ready to set the hook.