In my experience, practically everything in fishing can be quantified, and hook-setting mechanics under the float are no exception. A recent discussion in the media raised the possibility that altering the angle of your hookset ... moving away from the traditional upright motion toward a sidearm approach, can significantly impact hookup efficiency. i have experienced similar results immediately just months ago while creating videos.

Historically, my hookup percentages have been consistently in my mind inefficient sometimes at near 60% using a standard vertical hookset. However, after experimenting with a sidearm technique, I observed a noticeable improvement in consistency, particularly when fishing with circle hooks. Over time, I refined this adjustment and now favor a controlled 45° angled hookset, which has delivered hookup rates approaching 90% or better under a variety of conditions.

This adjustment has now become an integral part of my approach and continues to produce highly reliable results on the water.

so yes everyone is different as well as their setups, this has been a real game changer for me. i never have low hook-up percentages micro jigging with a vertical hookset, but slip floating this seems to improve the numbers greatly

i hate that feeling... setting the hook into nothing but air. minor adjustments slip floating resulting in greater productivity was greatly appreciated



anybody else disappointed in hook-up percentages, and then do some experimenting with rod angle?