Coming Un-Buttoned On The Smallies

[skunked_again]

im losing it seems half the smallies after the strike and hook-set.

that said, i change 99% of my hooks to a #4 which is bigger to the point the hooks will tangle once in a while. it is possible the bigger hook is hurting my hook ups on the smallies? i dont have this problem fishing the largemouth waters.

[BRONZEBACK_ADDICT]

I was having a similar issue this summer prior to fishing a tournament. I switched my crankbait rod from graphite to fibreglass with an extrafast tip and I never had a single one come unbuttoned during competetion. I never thought the rod would make such a big deal until my fishing partner suggested I switch things up.

I was initially using a 6'6 med fast Crucial with 10 lb fluorocarbon...was landing about 75 percent of hook ups.

[WCCT]

I agree with the previous post. A moderate action is essential when fishing baits with treble hooks. That extra softness of the rod will keep those treble hooks from tearing out.

[Ratherbfishing]

What kind of line are you using? If it's braid and you don't want to switch to a slower action rod, switch to monofilament line with a little stretch to it.

["BRB"]

I'm having trouble hooking up with top water. This smallie are blowing up on them so hard there coming completely out of the water. I'm using a super spook Jr. I have change hooks. Use glass and graphrod. Both with 12lbs mono. I know not to set hook until fell weight. There are spots mixed in with them and I well get them, but the smallie I well get like 2 out of 10 it seems. Any help?

[Bluebasser86]

I'm having trouble hooking up with top water. This smallie are blowing up on them so hard there coming completely out of the water. I'm using a super spook Jr. I have change hooks. Use glass and graphrod. Both with 12lbs mono. I know not to set hook until fell weight. There are spots mixed in with them and I well get them, but the smallie I well get like 2 out of 10 it seems. Any help?

In both cases I would guess that smallmouth are just ramming the bait at first instead of eating it. It's hard to tell with the crankbaits and all you feel is the strike but I've seen smallmouth attack a topwater, especially something like a spook, and never open their mouths. I think their intention is to stun their prey and then come back and eat it. Best thing with the topwater is to let it sit for a second after the missed strike and then continue your retrieve, sometimes they'll come back for it a second time. You can always try a follow up bait like a fluke or senko also.

["BRB"]

Thinks bluebasser86 I have tried waiting a sec and starting again and they would come back and hit at it. Just to miss it again. But I well try the fluke and senko. Thinks again.

[LargeChuckles]

You have good advice so far....

I would also go with a wrist snap or sweep hook set, rather than cross their eyes jig hook set. You could very well be ripping it out of there mouth. Hint thinner trebles penetrate better.

[bobbyc]

Amazing how small of a hook i have seen 4 1/2 lb sm caught on.

[A-Jay]

You have good advice so far....

I would also go with a wrist snap or sweep hook set, rather than cross their eyes jig hook set. You could very well be ripping it out of there mouth. Hint thinner trebles penetrate better.

I like the thinner trebles as well.

Love throwing spook type baits for smb. I've tried a few different makes and models for topwater and have settled on Mustad Triple grips. They are thin wire and have a decent length to the shank which gets those fish that swipe / slash at the bait. They hold well especially when paired with mono and a softer action rod. I tried the shorter shanked KVD hooks for topwater baits but the Triple Grips had a much higher hook-up ratio. btw a little over-sized here is a good idea as long as it doesn't hinder the baits action.

A-Jay

http://www.basspro.com/Mustad®-Ultra-Point™-Triple-Grip®-Hooks/product/21646/113661