I have found that the sickle hooks points are in line with the hooks eye so I bend mine outward so that they stick out a little more. I have read where several has done this and it does seem to help with hook set especially with the sickle hooks.
Went out today with my 12' poles running 3/4 ounce slip sinker and 1/24 plain jig with minnow sickle hook.
This set-up has worked the last few times out, today I lost several very nice fish who hammered it and then I lost them.
I decided to switch to a hook, I had some Crappie hooks with a bend in them. not sure of the name. I put two of them on and one Aberdeen hook on pole #3.
This seemed to help but I lost a few also, they were biting different than one week ago.
When I see the pole bend or line go to the side I normally grab it and pull up.
Not sure but thought I would post, I learn something on this site everyday
I have found that the sickle hooks points are in line with the hooks eye so I bend mine outward so that they stick out a little more. I have read where several has done this and it does seem to help with hook set especially with the sickle hooks.
Be safe and good luck fishingHat55 thanked you for this post
I like the #2 sickle hook also but do recommend gently bending the hook point out just a little to help with hook-sets.
scrat LIKED above post
Sometimes I think it 's a very light bite when we lose them just not getting a hook set good enough.
LittleJohn
I can't believe someone has not come out with a hook as sharp as a sickle hook but not curved in like they are.
Mike BarnettCrestliner08, Hat55 LIKED above post
The "beak" point of the sickle is it's No. 1 drawback in my opinion. I much prefer the more reliable straight point type of hook. In my experience, it provides a much higher hook up ration.
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