problem hookin up...

[kllrbee]

Hey guys,

Im having a hard time hooking up with a wacky rigged 4" senko.  Getting lots of bites, but my hookup ratio is about 25%.  Not good, lots of lost fish. 

Could you guys give me an idea of what I could do to improve?

Im using a ML-F rod, #2 aberdeen hook, 6lb mono.  Im letting them take it for a "one mississippe" before I set the hook.  Then it seems like most of the time, the worm just comes flying right back to me. 

Any help is appreciated.   

[gotarheelz14]

Well it depends on how small your hook is. When my hooks are really small, like in drop-shots, I actually end up raising the rod tip as a I reel up. Enough of a "sweep" to get the hook up against the fish's lips and reeling in at the same time to generate just a little more extra speed and enough torque to dig the hook in.

Otherwise, if I go with a conventional hookset, It's too fast and the tiny little hook just comes flying right back out. It's the only way I have found that has exponentially increased my hookup ratio.

Just a thought...

[B-Dozer]

Just my opinion, but ML is not the best for that application, especially with mono. I hope your hook is very sharp, if you have a heavier rod I'd give that a try. You might also be getting hits from small fish. Sunnys will hit on things bigger than they are.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

A number 2 hook or a 2/0 your using??? A size 2 I think would be way too small especially considering the thickness of a 4 inch soft stickbait.I'm sure you already know that you don't need to swing for the fences to set the hook when fishing this way but you still need a little more power and a larger hook. I think the fish is feeling you pull on it and spitting the hook before it can really grab them. Like the other guy said I think your rod is a little too light as well especially when paired with something as light as 6lb mono. Try using owner mosquito hooks,gammy octopus,owner live bait hooks,or gammy finesse wide gaps in at least a 1/0 size. Companys like eagle claw and mustad make hooks very similar to the ones I mentioned If your looking for something cheap. unless your fishing in crystal clear water or just love the challenge you should up your line size to 8 or 10 and use a 6.5 -7 ft med fast rod. I think if you change your equipment components a little you should really get 99 to 100% hook ups on a wacky rig even with very small fish.

[FL_Sharpshooter]

Sounds like you need a better hook.  I like to use a 3/0 Mustad Demon Circle hook, but If I ever buy any more I'll probably get 5/0 next time.  I was always told not to ever set a circle hook, and just let the fish run with it.  When I feel him running with it, I then give a slight tug and reel in, just something to consider.

[Jig Man]

I use the same weight rod with 8# but I go for a number 1 hook instead of a 2.

[kllrbee]

Hey thanks for the replies guys.

Looks like Im going to go bigger on the hook.

I appreciate the suggestions about the rod, but I think Im going to stick with the ML. This is my somewhat finesse setup so Id like to keep it that way. Plus I always feel like if I go heavier, Ill just tear a big ol hole in there.

But if the hook dont work, then Ill go heavier.

Funny thing, I just went out about an hour ago and used my UL rod with 4lb mono and #4 aberdeen and hooked up a 3lber. LOL. ;D

Gotta love it!!! You never know what will happen!!! ;D