The Perfect Hook Set
Once again as we enter into the soft plastic time of year I came through an outing with some guys that truly struggled setting the hook while fishing a worm. Yes, I know for the accomplisher bass fisherman this is hard to believe, but sadly true; the average fisherman has not set the hook much because they have fished for trout in streams, or used circle hooks deep sea fishing. None of these require a hook set like bass fishing with a worm!
The best way to describe a proper hook set might be best explained by starting with what not to do! The first things I tell people are do not feel the bite twice, that's correct I know of no way to tell whether a bass has a good or bad hold of a worm. Trying to determine whether the bass, is playing with the bait or truly eating it is not determinable by the fishermen; so making statements like I am waiting until he puts it in his mouth better or I am letting him take it cost you fish period. You can't tell so don't try! When you feel a bite set the hook, no questions asked, no waiting game set the hook.
Now that we have determined the proper what not to do the hook set is easy, when you feel a bite the first thing is to drop the rod tip and point it at the fish and tighten the line just enough to feel the tension. When you do that you have accomplished a couple of things. You have the rod in position to set the hook, you have taken the weight off the rod and the chance of the bass feeling you and letting go lessens. Pull the rod back and to the upper part of your shoulder in a fast hard yanking action, act like you're trying to snap the fishes head off. You see as bass get bigger their cartilage around their mouth becomes harder and you must penetrate the hook into the cartilage or soft part of the mouth. Make it simple and you will catch the fish!
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Call: 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry