Thread: successful hooking of fish

[quote author=divedeep link=topic=1893.msg17697#msg17697 date=1345641794]
[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.
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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.
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It is only a problem if the fish takes off fast and stops or slows down dramatically. This makes it hard to gauge it by feel alone other than to lose a few fish. What I do rather than dialing in on it over missed fish is to get a wrap or two of line between my thumb and finger right next to the roller, quickly rip out an arm's length of line and preset the bait drag to eliminate or at least reduce the chance of backlash.

I usually have the bail open, lightly holding it with one finger. When the fish takes off with the bait, I let him take line freely for about 3 seconds and the close the bail and swiflty raise the rod to about the 10 o-clock position as the line tightens up. No big "bill dance" rod set. If your hooks are sharp, no need to really set the hook.

[quote author=CarlF link=topic=1893.msg17813#msg17813 date=1345728819]
I usually have the bail open, lightly holding it with one finger. When the fish takes off with the bait, I let him take line freely for about 3 seconds and the close the bail and swiflty raise the rod to about the 10 o-clock position as the line tightens up. No big "bill dance" rod set. If your hooks are sharp, no need to really set the hook.




and if a fish feeds with the bail closed?

when the mackerel show up in better numbers again.. try feeding fish blindly (without watching the fish take the bait) .... this can help those out who choke fish...

Yep, don'tcha just luv it when that damn mac waits until you're reeling to grab the bait ??? :
If he's headed away it's usually game over, press restart :violent
But if'n he makes a loop or is coming back to the pier often all I have to do is drop the rod tip (to lessen the line resistance) and let the fish complete the manuever and bring the line tight.
2-3 seconds, that's all we need right? ;-)

Spanish do that a LOT with small LYs (or even big ones and cigs too).
Usually when any mackerel feels ANY resistance on the line (even a float) they will chomp down and 'step on the gas'.
You get your empty hook back or half a bait or occasionally a foul-hooked fish that pulls free half of the time :
Anyway, if the bait is 'chomped' I bank on a return engagement or his school buddies may be hungry too and just let the 1/2 bait free fall naturally for at least 5-10 seconds ... :evil:

However there is always the Lou method and wait for someone to hook a fish and kindly ask them if they plan on keeping it.

[quote author=Pier#r link=topic=1893.msg17818#msg17818 date=1345732478]

Usually when any mackerel feels ANY resistance on the line (even a float) they will chomp down and 'step on the gas'.
You get your empty hook back or half a bait or occasionally a foul-hooked fish that pulls free half of the time :
Anyway, if the bait is 'chomped' I bank on a return engagement or his school buddies may be hungry too and just let the 1/2 bait free fall naturally for at least 5-10 seconds ... :evil:
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when you say any resistance... do you mean they will even spit a bait on a secondary drag type reel? (liveliner)
: : : : :

but i'v been told there isn't enough pressure to matter?? :wall:

[quote author=Peaches link=topic=1893.msg17823#msg17823 date=1345735134]
[quote author=Pier#r link=topic=1893.msg17818#msg17818 date=1345732478]

Usually when any mackerel feels ANY resistance on the line (even a float) they will chomp down and 'step on the gas'.
You get your empty hook back or half a bait or occasionally a foul-hooked fish that pulls free half of the time :
Anyway, if the bait is 'chomped' I bank on a return engagement or his school buddies may be hungry too and just let the 1/2 bait free fall naturally for at least 5-10 seconds ... :evil:
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when you say any resistance... do you mean they will even spit a bait on a secondary drag type reel? (liveliner)
: : : : :

but i'v been told there isn't enough pressure to matter?? :wall:
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I've not had a noticable problem with drops on my live liner with the bail closed and LL drag set light.
But, then, I'm good that way. :
To continue : IMHO the LL reels are excellent for pier king fishing. Just like using a manual PU, it takes losing a few to develop a feel for how to get them hooked up.

eta = I'm the last person around that will disagree with #er. I'm only reporting my observations. The LL drag is, IMHO, little more than an open bail when set at its lightest setting. Please don't ask the obvious question of, "Well, then why not just use a plain reel with an open bail." I probably would just say, "None of your business." :P :slap:

and if a fish feeds with the bail closed?

If the drag is set correctly that shouldnt be a problem, he'll take line and hopefully get hooked. Maybe he wont, but thats fishin.
But if I am at the rail, unless I am reeling in, the bail is open.

I've had them drop baits for no apparent reason when using the fingertip on free spool method---Just one quick WHAM and you've got a shorter bait and a bad attitude.

[quote author=Haywire link=topic=1893.msg17831#msg17831 date=1345740814]
I've had them drop baits for no apparent reason when using the fingertip on free spool method---Just one quick WHAM and you've got a shorter bait and a bad attitude.
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I am of the opinion that 80% of the drops, chokes or otherwise missed fish are of this variety.