Sweet Beaver Hook-up Probs

[BassFishingMachine]

Ok heres the story, I was fishing today using a 1/8 oz bullet weight which has soft plastic filled in the middle of the weight, thus making you be able to peg it using the "needle type" threading tool that the weights come with (I believe their made by Gambler labeled as the Florida Rig or w/e). For the hook I used Gamakatsu Offset EWG Worm Hook size 3/0, the sweet beaver was 4.20inch. Anyway I missed two good hits, the first hit immediately after I felt the quick tap I set the hook, maybe I should have let the fish had it longer, the 2nd hit I felt the fish with the bait in his mouth for a good 4secs so Im sure he had it in there long enough, came back on a good hook set and the fish made a jump and shook it.

My question is, what do you think caused me to lose these fish? Do you think its due to the bullet weight being pegged so the soft plastic cannot slide up the line thus giving me a better hook up? Or do you think I should have let the fish hold the bait even longer? Any ideas on what caused the misses? Should I have used a 4/0?

[Raul]

Ok, you described the rig, what about the bait rig?

I always t-expose the hook point when I rig beavers.

[BassFishingMachine]

Rigged it weedless with the hook point coming out the top of the plastic and then slightly burried into the plastic. I cast directly in alot of stick piles and this makes it a bit more "stick proof".

[set_the_hook]

i fish beavers alot, i do use a 4/0 ewg hook only. texposed also.

[T-rig]

Around here when the water is still cold I wait up to 5-6 sec. to set the hook. I've been using double wide beavers alot lately and I haven't had any hook up problems but the water temp. is about 60. I set the hook as soon I feel a tap. I'm even catching 1lbers. with the double wide beavers, which is a pretty big bait for such small fish. Maybe the bass in your area are just not taking the bait well at the moment. Next time try the smallie beaver.

[BassFishingMachine]

So what hook size are you guys using with size 4.20 Sweet Beavers? 4/0?

[Wayne P.]

Whichever hook size of EWG you use, open the bend a little and that will improve your hookups.

[PlasticMan135]

I had the same problem with them beavers as well. I started using an Owner Sled Head weighted hook. It allowed me to screw in the beaver and tex-post it well. I found that I have increased my hook up ratio. Not to mention I don't ruin as many beavers.

[fishnaddiction]

i like using a 1/8 ounce jighead with a weedguard   that works great for me  but i dont fish a whole lot of vegation though

[Big-O]

Hey Machine, 4/0 to 5/0 will take care of your situation. Don't ever be afraid to upsize your hook because unless the water is absolutely crystal clear and void of vegetation, the fish don't notice it any more than the 3/0.

Now go back out there and show them who's got there number.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[LooksLikeSinbad]

what line and rod are you using?

[T-rig]

Hey Machine, 4/0 to 5/0 will take care of your situation.

A 5/0 hook is way to big for a regular beaver but is perfect for the double wide beaver. I use 3/0 ewg hooks with the regular beaver.

[ventureboat]

Man o man!!!! Fished a tournament yesterday and only had 2 to weigh in. I missed an insane amount of fish!!!! Had one shake it loose and 2 I missed at hookset in the last 15 minutes. Still just can't get over it!!! Thanks for letting me vent.

[BassFishingMachine]

Would you consider 4/0 too big then also?

[T-rig]

Would you consider 4/0 too big then also?

Yes. I don't know how you would rig a 4.20 Beaver with a 4/0 hook. A 3/0 hook is more or less as long as the body of regular beaver and I don't see how you could use a 4/0 hook which is longer.

[PlasticMan]

Look at the link at the bottom of my post. I have been using these for a year now, and will continue to use them forever. I use them on tubes, worms, beavers and any other soft plastic. I started using them on beavers because I was having a problem finding a good hook to use. Some hooks were too small, others were too big. From time to time, the beaver would not sit straight and it would slide down the hook. I found these and will not look to another style of hooks.

http://www.usangler.com/product.cfm?model=Sled%20Head%20With%20Screw-Lock%20Shank%20&manufacturer=Owner&type=Hooks

[Al Wolbach]

what line and rod are you using?

I don't think you should have had a problem with what you had rigged. Answering this question may be the key to your problem.