Lots of Tugs

[bobber49]

In the Urban pond I fish Though it's hard to believe it's called that out here in the wide open west in between Las Vegas and Lake Mead,I've Been getting a lot of hits on size 12 Emergers retrieved just under the surface at Dusk.The problem is only one in six end up with a fish on.Does any one know why?

[DShock]

Fish with a smaller emerger? or slow down your retrieve? or use a lighter longer leader?
You might also try a Dry (Stimulator) with a Dropper.
Doug

[Flyandtie1]

I think it's a case of striking to late. You might be feeling the trout Spit out the fly instead of take it in. Try setting earlier or when you First think you have a nibble.

[Joe Valencic]

When the little buggers are hitting light, I watch my line as I'm slowly retrieving. When I see the slightest resistance in the line I just lift the rod tip (lift, not jerk), and usually hook the fish. I keep the rod at about a 45 degree angle to the water when doing this, so I can see the line better.

Joe

[DG]

Strip strike instead of raising the rod to set the hook. If they miss it, they may take another swipe at it.

[Flyandtie1]

Just thought of another thing, Dull hooks.

Even straight from the fly shop or the hook package they can be a bit dull, a couple swipes with the sharpener will fix it.

[MNFisher]

How about the fly?

Too long of a tail and they are short hitting..... or perhaps the body of the fly as tied has reduced the gap too much?

[MikieFinn]

Another posibillity:

A very smal fish... They might be quite aggresive but will only nibble at the edges of the fly.

Some of them little bastards will tug hard enough to feel like a real fish...

[kengore]

I have been fooled by fish that were hitting the knots in my leader, I assume they were mistaking the knotted leader for small midges. Switching to the smallest fly in my box took a few of them (sz 24 griffith gnat).