Setting the hook on a crankbait...

[daviscw]

What is the correct way to set the hooks on a crankbait?

[Brian_Reeves]

I like a medium or medium heavy rod.  With either of those, I just kind of snap it back and keep it tight.  I think the proper term is a sweeping hookset.  I pull it up to about a 1 or 2 o'clock angle towards my right shoulder.  Might not be proper, but it works for me.

You definitely don't want to set it quite as hard as you would a jig or texas rig.  It doesn't take much for those treble hooks to dig in.  There is probably someone better at describing and answering this than I am, but that's just what does it for me.  I rarely miss a fish on a crankbait, so it does work.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

medium rod,fast tip, not x -fast, is my preference.

I either do just like Brian desribed or use a long sideways sweep like a carolina rig but with a lot less force while reeling to insure tension.

if you snap set to much you run the risk of ripping hooks out or knocking slack in the line which will in turn allow the fish to throw the bait

[Davis]

Sweep and reel.

If you have good hooks on your cranks than they dig in REALLY easily. No need for a homerun swing. From my limited experience anyway. Those Owner hooks are crazy sharp.

[roadwarrior]

Sweep and reel.

Maintaining pressure is the key.

8-)

[TournyFish001]

Sweep and reel.

Maintaining pressure is the key.

8-)

yep

[muskyxl]

My overall view is whether using single hooks or trebles...

singles...hard set

trebles...sweeping with constant pressure

if you are using good quality and sharp...cant say it enough, SHARP... hooks, the mouthful of metal with a treble, you dont want to "ram it home"

[.dsaavedra.]

pressure is key.

i just pull tight and reel down hard. get em in every time.

it also helps if you have a rod that is made for crankbaits. this would be a rod with a medium action. it has plenty of backbone but A LOT of flex in it. this helps in putting just the right amount of pressure on them so they cant get off and you dont rip the hooks out.

[daviscw]

Thank you EVERYONE!  

[Justin Mahaney]

Depending on your retreive speed, you dont need to set the hook much at all, just a little sweep or jerk. The hooks on crank baits are usually very sharp. Ive seen many people set the hook too hard and rip the bait right out of the fishes mouth. When the bass hits your crank, he will almost set the hook for you.