Thread: Low hook up percentages on the vertical hookset ... try a different hookset angle

Okay .... I'll be the Huckleberry

As I see it, a vertical sweep of the rod is slightly limited in how much slack is recovered versus a horizontal sweep of the rod.
In a vertical sweep you generally start with the rod out in front of you at various angles, and your rod tip generally only goes to slightly overhead on the hookset. So, say the rod tip travels around 7ft. in that half second hookset.

Now consider how much farther the rod tip can travel if you do a horizontal sweep of the rod (say maybe 9-10ft) ... therefore taking up a foot or two more slack line than your vertical sweep, simply because you can move the rod past you farther with the twisting of your body than simply sweeping it above your head.

I won't get into the geometry of this explanation (because I can't), but if you think about it you might see my point.

Another factor may be the use of circle hooks, which are more likely to connect with the fish with the horizontal sweep (more of a "pulling" action) vs the horizontal sweep of the rod, which is more of a "jerking" action.

I'm just hypothesizing ... as I have no experience with circle hooks, and very rarely use a float.

Seems like everybody just wants to sell me a hook! ��


Really, I was just trying to start a poll on hook-set angle.


all answers are good but with no real singular right answer, what works for one might not work for another. i am still learning everyday... social media is great but no better teacher than being out on the water trying and observing.


I’ve tried plenty of hook styles, and honestly, they all perform about the same for me. For years, I avoided circle hooks because of the “just reel it in” style you always hear about in the so-called Circle Hook Manual. But I’ve got to say ,they’re excellent for kids panfishing from the boat or dock. Fewer injuries, and all they have to do is reel ’em in. For me personally, I’m actually getting a better hookup percentage with circles, regardless of hook-set angle. The biggest standout: I rarely ever have to deal with a deep-set hooks anymore. That alone is a huge win. in one case, i actually tugged one out of the gut, unscathing the fish with a live release.


That said, no matter the hook, I do notice hookup percentages improve when I go with a lower-angle snap hook-set instead of straight up. I catch plenty of bluegill and crappie on the slip float + waxie setup, but I’ve noticed the crappie hookups especially improve late afternoon into dusk, and even more if it overlaps with a minor or major lunar period.


When I’m targeting crappie in cold water, I’ll use the same slip float setup (have not tried the circle hook) on a longer rod with live minnows. Cold water periods helps dodge the nonstop bluegill nibbles and taps. The lower hook-set actually came to me by accident. I was losing fish fighting them high-rod, so I dropped the rod tip down and instantly saw better results.This is well known in fishing circles. Keeping it low just stuck after that. (micro jigging does not matter and i use high-rod mainly)


One thing that really stands out to me: fishermen in general (myself included, maybe worst of all) can be stubborn. But I’ve learned to soak in as much as I can from social media, forums, and good sources like this one. Then it’s all about weighing, sifting, and testing it on the water. End of the day, the proof’s in the bucket… or on the scales. ��