Which do You prefer?

[CMIDD]

Just wondering how You prefer to set the hook while fnf fishing? Reel down and try to yank em out of the water, or just a sweeping movement of the rod?

[thebassman30]

I think depends on how the bobber goes down....but ultimately you only need to apply pressure assuming you are using a standard jig. The optimum hook set can really be a trick fishing three out of a 19' boat.

If the bobber goes straight down, I sweep slowly left or right if available. Pulling straight up has reduced my hook ups and pull offs.

If the bobber goes left or right significantly, like 6 inches as it's going down. That is a competition strike and the fish will hit a jerk bait....time to get your KVD on.

I will qualify that whatever I've posted is based on my opinion and experience. Which should be trumped at all times by any and all of the legendary fisherman that have been fishing the fly since before I was born.

[GeoFisher]

Hell.......I'm lucky if I'm even paying enough attention to see the **** bobber go down........WHEN it does, I usually just say (You Know)......there went my bobber........and BAM.......hammer er home......

That is when Proffittman, or BASSMAN give me an opportunity on a decent cast

Actually bassman has it right........sweep when you can, and if you knock your bud in the face........well, it is HIS fault........

Later..........

Geo

[DJD]

I don't know the perfect method but I pull up and back firmly but not crazy. I would consider the action of the rod and the line weight as you find your style of hooksetting.

[MarkW]

The smallmouth Guru Stephen Headrick talked about hook sets in his video. He made it real clear to set the hook straight up towards your head. He said to never sweep one way or the other. Straight up. He said all of his clients that set the hook sideways, misses fish.
I'm no expert, but he is, and I tend to believe those who know more then me.

[thebassman30]

I have heard about his recommendation and it's probably based on the way he recommends you fish it. Also, maybe his jigs hook up better for some reason when you set it straight up.

I don't use his jigs, fish them where and the way he recommends. I could see where physics and the caming action of the small hook would be optimized when you sweep upward....looks good on paper. I'm just telling you from fishing this thing for the last 10+ years with and without his system, I've had better success just gently applying pressure at the exact 180˚ angle the fish takes it down....sometimes that is straight up, but most times it's not. Plus, the fish I catch on it aren't typically on bluff walls and I use it as more of a follow up bait anyway so what do I really know....lol.

I think that boat position has more to do with catching fish on the fly than anything...my opinion...good luck.

[WacoWildcat]

I guess the idea there is to get the hook in the top part mouth. This is the hardest/thickest part of the mouth on a bass, which is the ideal target for obvious reasons. I think you're best chance to do that is setting the hook straight up. A sideways hookset will sometimes get the hook towards the side of the mouth which is the thiner. I'm not an expert by any means with the fnf but I do apply this concept when fishing other baits.

[CMIDD]

I personally have had better luck with the sweeping motion. Seems like every time I take a three step drop and set the hook, SNAP! My leader breaks!