Quote Originally Posted by Fisherjoe View Post
The second question is about hook-ups. We had 7 fish take off with out baits (dead and alive) leaving the clicker screaming but when we picked up there was no fish on the line. Is a clicker just not a good idea on the river when fishing for cats? or is there something else that is not right? thanks for ANY advice and comments!
When I am bottom fishing, I will use the clicker and let the fish run for a second or two. If I am drifting, I leave the reel engaged. The fish usually slam the bait hard enough to set the hook themselves. I use circle octopus hooks exclusively, 7/0 or 8/0.


I agree with the other answer about missing fish. Sounds like a bunch of gar. Pick up and move. They will burn thru your bait in a hurry.[/quote]




try just leaving the reel engaged when fishing the bottom, letting the rod load up. usually once it loads up it will start dancing(twitchin fast) then just pick up the rod and start reelin. alot of the times when u give it a jerk without letting the rod load up u will just jerk it right out of their mouths.