Jerk Bait hook set - need some help

[Koop]

Ok I've been having a serious problem lately... I tried a ton of lures and my favorite so far is probably rapala husky jerk in 8-10cm.  But I'm doing something terribly wrong because I keep losing fish!  A few nights ago I lost didn't land 1 fish I hooked 6 and every one of them shook the lure free... I dont know what I'm doing maybe not setting it correctly?  I thought I read they were self setting for the most part, but I usually give an extra little tug (not a huge set) and keep my rod elevated and line tight as I read to do but I keep losing them once they are in the 10-15ft out range.  There has got to be something I'm doing wrong?  Anyone?

[MALTESE FALCON]

Are your hooks sharp? Only reason I can think of to lose that many fish.

Falcon

[roadwarrior]

Fish hook themselves on jerkbaits. Sweep your rod and reel like mad.

When the fish fights back, you got him. Ideally, you need a rod with a

soft tip and/or line with some give (monofilament for example). Chances

are, you are losing fish because you are pulling the lure out of the fish's

mouth.

My rod of choice for both jerkbaits and topwater is a St. Croix Avid AVC66MF

which has a soft tip. The length and overall firmness of the rod allows me

to work the lures effectively. The soft tip acts as a shock absorber during

the battle.

8-)

[Koop]

The hooks I would assume are sharp. They are stock ones on rapala husky jerk and any one lure hasn't hooked more than 5 fish. They still feel sharp. The rod I'm have been using is a 7' medium / medium action.

[roadwarrior]

Rapala uses VMC Hooks on Husky Jerks...no issue there.

7' Medium Power/ Moderate Action...no issue at all!

Maybe just bad luck...but here is another thought:

Never let a fish stage. It should be coming to you or

peeling drag. Constant pressure is MANDATORY.

8-)

[Koop]

Hm maybe your right with me pulling it out of the fishes mouth, I could be applying to much pressure and actually dragging the fish but I can't be positive guess I need to start getting a better feel...

I better go practice right now...

[basser89]

About the only time I throw jerkbaits is for smallies. There are 3 brands that I use, Smithwick Rattlin Rogue, BPS XPS jerkbait (the discontinued model  :'( ) and the Bomber Long A (listed in the order of preference too). I typically throw them on a 6'6" BPS spinning rod (MH) spooled with 20lb Sufix braid. I've found the same thing as RW, the bass hook themselves. All I do is sweep the rod to the side to keep constant pressure on them (no need for me to "set the hook"). I do try to keep the rod tip low during the fight to keep them from jumping.

[J Francho]

I usually give an extra little tug (not a huge set) and keep my rod elevated and line tight

Unless the fish is deep and directly below you, I'd keep the rod low, and perpendicular to the fish, for any treble hook bait.

[farmpond1]

Here's a thought that came to me.  I've lost more than a few fish on X-Raps (another Rapala Jerk bait).  I believe it's because of the erratic action (if you fish them this way) of the lure.  The bass don't always make an accurate strike and while you may hook them, they sometimes come off easier too.

[Koop]

Hm that's a good thought, I do use an erratic retrieve and to think of it, one of the bass I landed was hooked slightly through the upper lip and the 2nd treble was hooked through a pelvic fin.  Granted it was just a small white bass but this makes sense.

[bass wrangler569]

I usually give an extra little tug (not a huge set) and keep my rod elevated and line tight

Unless the fish is deep and directly below you, I'd keep the rod low, and perpendicular to the fish, for any treble hook bait.

[avid]

try loosening your drag.

keep the rod tip pointed down.  Don't want that bass to jump.

[SirSnookalot]

Everyone loses fish with no exceptions, it happens so don't read any more into it. I've lost a few this week. Keep the pressure on them and don't give a hard hookset unless you're taping your next fishing show for television.