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Reply With Quote# 6 I think some of it they hit it on the fall before the sinker hit bottom line is slack hate to give up its been the only way I've caught most of the fish this spring
Crappie.com Legend and Mississippi Moderator
shorter hook stem/shaft is all you can do . What size hook are you using ? try #4.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
# 6 I think some of it they hit it on the fall before the sinker hit bottom line is slack hate to give up its been the only way I've caught most of the fish this spring
Crappie.com Legend and Mississippi Moderator
Are you letting the bait down on a free fall or a tight line ? tight line on a long pole is killer for sure .
Crappie Wall Hanger II
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I use a #4 tru-turn type hook on my drop-shot rigs and set the hook instantly on feeling anything. I rarely deep hook even catfish with this rig. Corner of the mouth most of the time.
Deep hooking is one reason clients drive me crazy when fishing with a bobber. They tend to let the line get a lot of slack so they have to reel it out before they can set the hook.
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Crappie Wall Hanger II
I set the hook as soon as I see line movement or feel a nibble and usually hook them in the mouth. Occasionally, when distracted by one of my kids or untangling a loop in the spool, I've reeled up only to find a fish on and hooked deep. Can't do anything but throw them in the cooler after that as they'll generally die even if it looks like the hook came out relatively clean. There is always the option of smashing the barb down on the hook with some pliers. Never did this with bream, but have had good success with getting the hook out of trout without harm with a barb less hook. I don't often plan to keep trout though.
Slabmaster II
I've had good results pinching the barbs down on hooks with pan fish as the little bitters seem to pull an not run at you or jump like there larger cousins, But, keeping the bait on is a different matter!
I thought fish trembled when they heard my name.......then I heard the laughter
Slabmaster II
Eagle Claw hooks used to have bait holder hooks with small barbs on the shaft of the hook , might have to look for some ,pinch the barb, and see if they will still hold the bait, has to be better than a smooth shank.Originally Posted by hugastump
I thought fish trembled when they heard my name.......then I heard the laughter
Keeper
I use 11/6 minni mits and for the most part gills always stop at the lead very rarely do I need to worry about them swallowing it
Crappie.com Legend and Mississippi Moderator
How deep is the water where you are fishing ? If less than 17-18 ft try a 14 ft. rod and let it down with no slack . jmo.
