Losing Fish

[Duma]

Hi all, new to the forum here.  great place by the way     I've been having big problems keeping my bass on this summer... losing over 50% of my fish.  I'm using soft plastics with Gamakatsu regular offset shank and ewg hooks and generally use a 4/0.  Could it be my hookset or something im doing with my rod once I have them hooked.  It appears I'm maintaining proper pressure on the fish....I'm very confused and any input would be highly appreciated!  Thanks.

[JCrzy4Bass]

Based off what you said already I can give you only one pointer. Early in the summer and even recently I have lost MULTIPLE fish on spinners (mainly strike king) this summer. I fiancee being the sweet girl she is went out and bought me a hook sharpener after I got some advice here on obtaining one to make sure that the hooks I have are constantly sharp and hook set effective. Gamas come pretty sharp, but after casting and running into weeds, wood, stone, rock, etc, the point can get beat up. Make it a point to sharpen yours every now and then (maybe every couple trips out), I do now. Or every time I put a new spinner on or new hook I run it through it a couple times to get it lookin' nice and sharp.

Other than that another tip guys gave me on here when I was losing fish is to make sure you are keeping the rod tip high and to play the fish quickly, but in the direction he wants to go after making your hook set. Hope some of this info helps. The vets will be by shortly.

Ps:  I love those hooks for my plastics, same size even depending on my bait.  I like to use the wide gap as opposed to striaght shank.

[Jig Man]

It could be several different things.  The thing I see most often with people in my boat is that they actually drop their rod tips to reel the line.  This gives a momentary slack and many times it is bye bye fishie.  A couple of them are seasoned fishermen and can't believe that is what they are doing.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

My suggestions:

#1 Start with high quality, ultra sharp hooks. For most soft plastics I use XPoint or Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks. Set your drag properly (with a scale) considering line and rod ratings.

#2 Use a "snap set" sometimes called a "quick set". When you detect a bite, lower your rod tip and QUICKLY reel down. Snap your wrists raising the rod without moving the reel position relative to your body. This will drive the hook home. DO NOT "double set", that will do more harm than good.

#3 Keep your rod UP! (10 - 12 o'clock) and maintain CONSTANT pressure.

NEVER give the fish any slack, NEVER. Make the fish fight the rod and retrieve line when you can.

Most of all, once you become confident in your ability to boat fish, especially big bass, your landing ratio will improve dramatically.

[Pond-Pro]

Im not sure why, you are losing the fish.  :-?  On one of my last trips i was usinbg braided line with a small crankbait.  I lost 5 fish and landed 1.  But that doesnt really concern your problem.  Maybe you could try using a smaller hook.  I normaly use about a 2/0.  Also, I skin hook the worm, instead of burying it in the plastic.  I hope your luck changes!

Also,   !

[Shad_Master]

My guess is that you are not getting the hook set - I had this problem when I first started out as well and made that one of my goals one year.  You have to yank on it like they just slapped your Grandma and then follow all the other advice give above.  You'll get the hang of it!!  But even then you will still lose a few - that's what keeps us going back for more.

[Tin]

1. Do you set the hook more than once?

2. What kind of line? pound test?

3. Rod?

And about throw crankbaits with braid, bad idea. The line has no stretch so those trebles just tare a bigger hole and the fish can throw them real easy.

[Sam]

I think the Roadwarrier nailed it for you.

Give his suggestions a try and see what happens.

[Bizzo]

Welcome aboard!

My suggestions:

#1 Start with high quality, ultra sharp hooks. For most soft plastics I use XPoint or Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks. Set your drag properly (with a scale) considering line and rod ratings.

#2 Use a "snap set" sometimes called a "quick set". When you detect a bite, lower your rod tip and QUICKLY reel down. Snap your wrists raising the rod without moving the reel position relative to your body. This will drive the hook home. DO NOT "double set", that will do more harm than good.

#3 Keep your rod UP! (10 - 12 o'clock) and maintain CONSTANT pressure.

NEVER give the fish any slack, NEVER. Make the fish fight the rod and retrieve line when you can.

Most of all, once you become confident in your ability to boat fish, especially big bass, your landing ratio will improve dramatically.

I dont think anything more needs to be said. Great advice!

[Catt]

RW nailed it except he gave you the wrong hook; Mustad Denny Brauer Straight Shank Flipping Hook.  

[J-Boogie]

Ive been on a losing streak here also over the last 4-5 days so dont feel bad and i usually set the hook everytime and land. I like gamma also so just get used to your rod.Dont try to set the hook like i used to on the first nibble.

[Duma]

wow guys what a great help.  thanks so much for all the feedback.

1. I DO indeed most times raise my arms/shoulders on the hookset so the reel is being lifted up...I tend to get a bit excited and use alot more arm and a lot less wrist lol.

2.  I DONT skin hook my senkos or creatures, I bury them.

3.  I dont know how realistic this is but would an unhooked fish actually stay on for half of the fight not wanting to let go of the bait?  Virtually all my plastics are salt impregnated.  Most time when I lose fish it almost feels as if theyve just let go of the bait.  There is no slight recoil or any feeling like they shook a hook.

[roadwarrior]

...would an unhooked fish actually stay on for half of the fight not wanting to let go of the bait?

No.

They will hold for a short period sometimes, but when you're involved in a battle the fish is at least partially stuck.