Spinning Setup Help

[JohnnyBigger]

Im having an issue keeping bass hooked on my spinning gear. Im having trouble with everything from worms, fluke's and even as surprising as it sounds the wacky rig. Now I have been a baitcaster guy since I started fishing so I tend to power fish and I am trying to slow it down and finess more so any help on rod selection or anything that will help solve my hooksetting issue with the spinning tackle. Thanks

[Grey Wolf]

What type of rod are you using ? The action of the rod may be your problem or even the type of line you are using.

[JohnnyBigger]

Im using a Shimano med-heavey with 8-10 lbs floro. Now im looking to buy a new rod and I dont want to waste my money for the same problem so thats why I am asking this question.

[Dave T.]

Im having an issue keeping bass hooked on my spinning gear. Im having trouble with everything from worms, fluke's and even as surprising as it sounds the wacky rig. Now I have been a baitcaster guy since I started fishing so I tend to power fish and I am trying to slow it down and finess more so any help on rod selection or anything that will help solve my hooksetting issue with the spinning tackle. Thanks

Are you fishing deep water with mono? Line stretch can be a factor.

Obviously, great hooks that are sharp (and kept sharp) is extremely important.

Proper hook size and rigging is another must.

What kind of spinning rod? A rod with an "XF" tip is my choice with plastics. They usually have a bit more power in the butt section for "sticking them".

I'm sure some other folks will have some suggestions.

LOL... you posted while I was typing. Again, consider a "XF" action rod with a powerful butt section.

[JohnnyBigger]

Are you fishing deep water with mono? Line stretch can be a factor.

Obviously, great hooks that are sharp (and kept sharp) is extremely important.

Proper hook size and rigging is another must.

What kind of spinning rod? A rod with an "XF" tip is my choice with plastics. They usually have a bit more power in the butt section for "sticking them".

I'm sure some other folks will have some suggestions.

LOL... you posted while I was typing. Again, consider a "XF" action rod with a powerful butt section.

I recently switched from Gamakatsu hooks to Trokar so see if that wound help and it did a little but im still loosing alot of fish. also im in Folrida so not much deep water here, ps: what rod brand and type do you use thats works for you?

[Dave T.]

I recently switched from Gamakatsu hooks to Trokar so see if that wound help and it did a little but im still loosing alot of fish. also im in Folrida so not much deep water here, ps: what rod brand and type do you use thats works for you?

I'm a big St. Croix fan. As a matter of fact, all my spinning rods are now St. Croix. My favorite rod for plastics is a 6'9" MLXF custom built St.Croix. Most of my fishing is for smallmouths in rivers and a couple of lakes. Down where you are, you would probably want a Medium action rod like the AVID 6'8" MXF.

If you end up looking at St. Croix's, keep in mind that their rods are a little "underrated" when it comes to power. Their "Medium" would probably closer to a light medium heavy when compared to other manufacturers.

[Grey Wolf]

You definately need to buy an extra-fast rod and probably should go to a braided line. JMHO

[Dave T.]

You definately need to buy an extra-fast rod and probably should go to a braided line. JMHO

Yep, and if money was no objective, and I lived down there, the 6'10" MXF St Croix Legend Xtreme would be my choice. I've had the pleasure to fish one for a while... it is one powerful rod... just a bit too much for what I need. If you can't "stick em" with that rod... time for a crossbow.

The braided line is also my choice.

[JohnnyBigger]

You definately need to buy an extra-fast rod and probably should go to a braided line. JMHO

Ive been debating going to braided line, I have it on my salt water set up. Should I use some sort of leader like floro or mono?

[Dave T.]

Ive been debating going to braided line, I have it on my salt water set up. Should I use some sort of leader like floro or mono?

If you fish a lot where you can get hung up... I would go with a leader. Floro or mono is fine. The trick with braid and leaders is getting the KNOT just right.

[JohnnyBigger]

If you fish a lot where you can get hung up... I would go with a leader. Floro or mono is fine. The trick with braid and leaders is getting the KNOT just right.

Im really good with leader knots and braid knots, double uni for the leader

[joshholmes]

you dont neccesarily need to switch to braid. you could just up the fluoro or mono to 12-14 lb but that might be pretty heavy for a spinning reel. if your gonna switch to braid for a spinning reel use 20-40 lb.

[ww2farmer]

I don't mean to be a jerk.........but if your breaking fish off on the hookset with heavy braid/fluoro like you said in your other post, and you can't keep fish hooked on spinning gear in this one. Maybe equipment is not your problem. Like I said, not trying to be a know it all jerk, but maybe you need to look at your technique.

[JohnnyBigger]

I don't mean to be a jerk.........but if your breaking fish off on the hookset with heavy braid/fluoro like you said in your other post, and you can't keep fish hooked on spinning gear in this one. Maybe equipment is not your problem. Like I said, not trying to be a know it all jerk, but maybe you need to look at your technique.

It is quite possible on the spinng rod could be my technique but im sure its not on my heavy set up. Ive always been a power fisherman to a fault of stupidity and I never had that issue before but as for me trying to expand my repertoire and finessing alot more it is possible that my technique is all wrong on a spinning rod.

[Fishes in trees]

I've multiple spinning rigs. I run the gamut from light finess rigs ( for Brewer Slider type lures) to 7 1/2' heavy duty rigs for carolina rigs and heavy jigs, etc. For the most part, hook setting technique is similar for all spinning gear. At first recognition that you've got a strike, gently, tighten up, trying to put minimum pressure on the fish, but also trying to pick up some line. Then use a firm, but not forceful or line popping sweep. Try to sweep in the opposite direction the fish is heading and if you can't tell, sweep straight up. As you are sweeping, start reeling.

The hook will catch somewhere and a combination of the firm pressure, your reeling and the fish struggling will embed the hook.

This whole process takes 2 or 3 seconds max. At the end of the process, the line should be tight from tip to fish, and you have time (several seconds) to figure out what to do next. Just for the record, I don't use the drags on my spinning reels all that much. I tend to screw them down pretty tight and if necessary shift out of anti-reverse and back reel. It gives me the illusion of more control, and I never did trust my drags all that much anyway.

Basically, if you're missing a bunch of fish on your spinning gear, you might want to modify your hook setting technique. There are lots of guys that use some variation of the sweep set, like I described above. Try it, and if that doesn't work try something else. If that doesn't work, but different gear and start all over. There really isn't any such thing as too much gear.

On a positive note, you are getting bit from time to time. Hope this helps.

[SirSnookalot]

Med hvy spinning rod and can't get a good hookset?

User error, plain and simple, the equipment is more than adequate. Not being a smart ****, but get a lesson and keep at it, it will come to you.

[.ghoti.]

Big John, you've now heard several people suggest that it's your technique which is the problem, but no explanations. I'll attempt to offer one. Please don't be offended if I sound simplistic. It's just the way my mind works. Be pedantic comes with the territory when you're dealing with me. :D

First, there's nothing wrong with your setup. I use two spinning rods; one with 8lb and one with 6lb; both mono. One rod is a medium power and the other is med-light. No problems with hooksets, and no problems landing the fish. Your MH rod and #10 flouro are more than enough for the task at hand.

I'm thinking you have two issues; one the hooks and the other your fighting technique.

I'm going to guess you're one of those guys who, when they hook a fish, points the rod straight up and cranks as fast and hard as you can. Well, don't do that.

You need to gain line on the fish using the rod, not the reel. Pull back on the rod without reeling. Reel only while moving the rod down, back toward the fish. This needs to be a coordinated effort. You need to reel fast enough, and drop the rod slow enough to maintain a bend in the rod, and thus maintaining tension on the line. It sounds harder than it is. It also harder to explain than to actually do it. If you allow any slack to form, it's all over, more often than not.

You don't need braid, it will only make the problem worse. The stretch of mono will actually help with preventing slack while you're getting the hang of this.

Now, about the hooks. Try some light wire hooks. Gammy makes nice light wire EWG hooks that I have used for years on my spinning rods. It takes a lot less pressure to get a good hookset with a light wire hook in comparison to a heavy hooks. The really heavy "superline" hooks are out of the question. Trokars are not the answer. I only used them once. I discovered that while they are scary sharp right out of the pack, the points roll over way too easy. Others have reported breakage issues, but I don't use heavy enough line to have experienced that.

You hooks need to be scary sharp. If your hook isn't sharp enough to grab your fingernail when dragged across it, dispose of that one and tie on one that is.

Hope this helps.