Hook Setting Question
 

Spent a few hours in the Dunderhook section of Saddle River Park. First 10 minutes I caught a baby smallie right by the Falls.

Later on I found a honey spot with a whole school of of them just sitting there. I hooked two MONSTERS on rooster tails (not sure of the brand but they came in a pack of six at Walmart). First took my line into the some fallen trees and snapped my line. Second monster I got all the way to the bank but lost the hook set.

This leads me to my question: is my lure crap or am I not setting the hook correctly?

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

A lot easier for bass to throw a treble-hook. Other than using short-stretch line changing the lure to a single-hook is the way to go.

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

I was thinking the tip of the rod may be too soft.

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

Sorry guys. The honey spot were TROUT, NOT bass. I lost a huge 12-in brownie because it fought off the hook.

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

are the barbs on the hook ok? when the barb gets flattened fish will get off as soon as there is any slack in the line

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

Small stockies tend to spin when hooked and easily throw it a larger fish will run.

Re: Hook Setting Question
 

All good tips. Thanks everyone.

I'll check my lures often to make sure the barbs are ok. I did catch them on rocks, weeds, etc. because that monster hooked. The barbs were probably not as sharp. Add to it they were cheap multipacks from Walmart.

I picked up a couple of Yakima Rooster Tail #206's and will try those this weekend.

If I get pulled under trees again, should I let him go and reel him back out and keep him from going under?