You may what to check your drag. It should slip at somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of the test of your line, e.g. if you are using 12 pound line the drag should slip at 3 pounds. I have taken to setting/checking mine with a sping scale. The way I do it is to tie a loop in the running end of the line and hook the loop over the hook on the scale. I hold the scale in one hand and hold the rod (butt resting on the floor)between the tip and the first eyelet. I then move the hand with the scale away from the rod while I watch the dial and wait for the drag to slip and adjust from there.

May not exact science, but it helps with the confidence when you go to set the hook.

V/r

Jim