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 accomplished 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!
Come fish with me, I’ll help you learn these keys to fish
catching techniques!
