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Setting the hook!!!!!!
I think I need another lesson guys. I've done ok, done pretty well as far as I'm concerned with FF.
However, I seen very big largmouth suck in my fly, I pulled up quickly to set the hook and pull the hook out.
Today, I went carping. As you all know, they're driving me nuts. Well, I got a carp to take my fly, finally!!!!!!!! Yay! Well, I did the same thing. Pulled the fly right out.
How do you all set your hooks? What am I doing wrong? Should I be lifting slower?
I need help guys.
Much thanks!
Shane
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If your pulling the hook out of its mouth, you might wanna set the hook a little softer, get a shosk absorber, or use a more flexible rod. Just some suggestions. Hope it helps
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With bass, you want to pause before you set the hook. They inhale their food, so if you set right away, you'll pull the fly right out. Also, like Ken Y said, try setting the hook a little softer. You may just be putting to much into the hook set.
I don't really carp fish, so i'm not sure with them.
Hope this helps.
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Shane, since you're "gathering hints and tricks", on these bass and carp, one thing I was shown a loooooong time ago, was "when setting a hook on an "inhaler", (like most spiny ray species), use a "side set" instead of the usual "rearing back on the rod", like with Trout and Steelhead.
"Sweep the rod, firmly, but steady, DON'T JERK IT, off to either the right or left side. The rod should be parallel to the water,or at least at a 45 degree angle to it, in other words. This "drags the fly", ACROSS the fish's closed mouth, not straight out of it and can, (but not always), increase your hook ups.
Just one suggestion of many!
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A carp's mouth is soft, so when you see the fish strike, just strip the line firmly to set the hook(don't jerk the fly with your rod), Then raise the rod and the fight begins! I haven't fished for carp but I read this on an article.
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Bass fishing is different then trout fishing. I live on a bass lake. The rule when surface fishing for bass is simple, be it a popper, jitterbug etc. on a spinning rod or a hair fly on a fly rod. Set the hook when you feel the fish and not when you see the take. Remember you are fishing a tight line with no slack, and a 9' rod will move the fly a long way when setting the hook. Try setting the hook with your line hand and not by jerking the rod, but not until you feel him on.
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Thanks for all the info and tips guys!
Mr Castwell, these missed hookups of mine are all before the fish turns away. I know. But, they like to spit out my flies, so I try and set, before they spit haha. I think they can tell my tying is crap. It's thier way of showing me:) Thanks for the article!
Paul, thanks a lot. I'll try the side sweep from now on, minus the carp. I've had good hookups with bass. But I know I've lost a few. I always use the "Up" method. Thanks for the info buddy!!
Ken, thank you, I was curious especially about the carp. Mostly because it was my first "Take". So I was excited. I think I've caught onto it now. Now to set the hook on the soft mouth little critters. I'll try this method next time I get one to take the fly.
Thanks a lot everyone,
Shane
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Host Ray, that's kind of like what Ken is saying huh. Makes sense too, about the bass anyways. When I set the hook and lost it. The fish opened up and took it, closed her mouth, I set the hook. Well, attemped.
This method is going to take some practice. Just like in Mr. Castwells' article. I'm going to have to talk myself through this method. It's instinct, when I see the take, set the hook. Unfortunately, it's a premature hookset..
Thanks a bunch,
Shane
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Try using a hook with a larger gape or an offset point. Also make sure your tail, hackle, beard, body, etc does not get in the way of your hook point and gape. Sharp hooks and pinched barbs help also.