Thread: successful hooking of fish

OK I asked about live liner type reels as i was reading the reply I get more confused about setting the hook on these fish you fish with the bail open you fish with the drag lose you buy a live liner . So my question is whats the best way or should I just watch some more and is live bait different then lures

The best way if you can is to go out and watch the locals in action and ask questions. Most of them would be more than happy to teach you their way of doing things.

Part of the confusion that occurs every time someone asks a question is due to the thread getting hijacked and turned off in an irelevant direction.

Here is where DRH gave a good answer regarding getting hooked up if using the 560 L

"Another thing I do or actually don't do is set the hook when using these reels. I just let the fish get the slack out of the line and as soon as I hear the bait drag's clicker I flip the switch and let the the drag pressure and the fish's momentum do all the sticking. My hook up percentage may not be the best, but it isn't too shabby either. It was a lot worse when I used to feel the need to "jack-em-up"."

Let the fish swim off with the bait for a few seconds with NO tension on the line... Then when the line comes tight then raise the rod to set the hook .... Don't bill dance it.. Even though jumping hook sets are fun

[quote author=Peaches link=topic=1893.msg17673#msg17673 date=1345604553]
Let the fish swim off with the bait for a few seconds with NO tension on the line... Then when the line comes tight then raise the rod to set the hook .... Don't bill dance it.. Even though jumping hook sets are fun
[/quote]
WHOOOO JACK EM UP!!!!! I'M on!!!

If you've ever done any bass fishing a good comparison would be when fishing a plastic worm and it gets caught on a limb or piece of grass and you give it a slight tug or two to get it to jump free. That's about all the hookset you need for a mackerel after you give him a second or two to eat the bait. Jackin up a fish is mainly for the tourists and to get everyone excited when a fish bites. Throw in a WOOOOOOOO!!!! and every sightseers eyes are focused on you.

The use of a live liner feature or the need to let the fish eat does not apply to lure fishing.The two biggest mistakes that happen thousands of times every year king fishing is,drag too tight from the start, and people having their drag set OK,but freak out when the fish starts hauling butt then they tighten it till it pops.I just tested my drag with a digital scale and 1.10 to 1.25lbs is where you need to be.As for the bait runner,do not set it too loose because it will backlash on the strike.

John, is that drag setting as the line comes off the reel, or after it passes through the guides?

Fish fighting position,around a 90 degree angle.Rod being held at a 45 from your body and line being pulled at a 90.

[quote author=john g link=topic=1893.msg17689#msg17689 date=1345635644]
.As for the bait runner,do not set it too loose because it will backlash on the strike.
[/quote]

I can testify to that. Took me a couple of times to figure that out - just a thing you sort of have to get a feel for.