[BASSSURF]

Last night my dad and I each missed a hit from a bass. One was on a big chunk of bunker and the other was on a head. My question is, if you have a bait runner and a large chunk/head, and you get a hit that you think is a bass, do you set the hook right away, wait 3 seconds, 5, etc. Also, why do so many fishermen take a few steps back before setting the hook opposed to just reeling down and taking up the slack. Thanks guys.

 

[likeitreallyis]

7 seconds. Then set. It's hard to do because you can feel the hit, but they are sucking that fish in. Too soon you'll rip it out.

Bow to the cow is an expression you'll here.. basically waiting to set.

This is when using bait. Bucktails you should set right away as soon as you feel that little bump.

Soem of the guys who are more experienced may way in too, but it is a good question.

 

[ELIASV]

7 seconds set is tricky, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. It's even trickier with live bunker.

I fish spinning so I'll chime in my words. As soon as it gets heavy like it's being gobbled I pop the bail or put it on reverse to see if it runs with it. I also keep light pressure on the line with my thumb so I don't create too much slack from the current. I count to seven as well, five if I am feeling paranoid. I think they either feel the weight and spit it out instantly or just dont care. This is with a fishfinder rig of course.

 

[TallPaul]

setting the hook

I have always waited a few seconds before setting the hook hard. The idea it that the fish is going to reposition the chunk in their mouth before swallowing it. This ensures the hook is actually in their mouth. The bigger the fish the more likely they will inhale the entire chunk on the first strike. I used to fish for Walleye and Pike. They would grab the shiner, run 20 or so yards, stop, then reposition the shiner so it goes down head first. Thats when I would set it.

Good Question!

This post edited by TallPaul 11:50 AM 06/20/2008

 

[BASSSURF]

Thanks guys. I guess I will try that and if that doesnnt work I will just keep trying different things.

 

[nycbasskiller]

I always wait a while sometimes 5 seconds, or when the tug is real good "let him eat"

 

[DamnFish]

What is also important is teh type of hook used

Regular old fashoned "J Hook" rear back and cross her eyes

New fangled "Circle Hook" Just real in hard

 

[Yaksick]

I agree with everyone that has replied. I would like to mention, I have the Shimano Baitrunner 6500/4500. In the past whenever I had the baitrunner on, I would end up loosing the fish. I lost faith on the baitrunner. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Tight lines

 

[1mocast]

when livelining a bunker

I used to fish for Walleye and Pike. They would grab the shiner, run 20 or so yards, stop, then reposition the shiner so it goes down head first. Thats when I would set it.

This is the way I have been doing it for years and it works. Just need a lot of patience to wait till the fish stops after his first run, turns the bunker around and then takes off again, it's then on the second run when you hit um.

For the chunks, agree with most replies, wait 3-5 seconds.

For clams no need to wait at all.

And use a circle hook.

 

[BASSSURF]

Thanks guys

 

[sandman]

use a bait runner 4500B / and went you hook the bait you take the hook and move one scale put the hook in the bunker and went the hook come out make shore there NO SCALE ON THE HOOK .if so you will never hook a fish with the scale on it. one more thing hold your pole .let run a little then turn handly till tight . and set hook and keep turning at the same time



This post edited by sandman 06:39 PM 06/20/2008

 

[likeitreallyis]

good advise Eddie remeber those Bunker scales !

 

[rpsurf5]

Alot of good advice on here, best thing to do is soak it all in and get some hands-on experience, you will figure out what works best for you.

 

[FishMr]

when its in the baitrunner mode and u want to hook a fish while its running dont reel it in just turn the handle so it clicks back into the main drag and it will hook the fish

 

[BASSSURF]

thanks guys

 

[fishthejetty]

do you immediatly set the hook for all lures