When fishing for trout, I do a lift of the rod and pull with the line hand to set the hook. I may also let the fish pull against the rod tip for a couple of seconds or two to make sure the hook is set. Also, when fishing small nymphs, midges (size 18 and smaller) etc, I open the hook gap with my forceps a bit. This also seems to help with hooking and keeping them hooked.

When fishing for smallmouth I point the rod at the fish and then pull with my line hand as I pull with my rod hand. I do not lift the rod like I do when fishing nymphs for trout.