Keeping fish on the line

I've finally found the time to go fishing, it's been a busy year so far. I've essentially had one honey hole that I've frequented for the last year, which consistently produces large numbers of large (fat and 8+ inch) fish. In an effort to diversify the places I fish, I've started to explore new waters, and today I visited New Croton reservoir, part of the NYC water supply system.

There were no shortage of bites, and I had plenty of fish on my line, but so many spit or shook out the hook. I'm not sure if it's a lack of a hookset (I'm using braid and reeling them in usually sets the hook well). I lost a perch, a nice bass, and so many bluegill.

With that being said, I did land a number of fish, all small, but still fun. Attachment 488176Attachment 488178Attachment 488177Attachment 488179

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It’s always nice to get out and explore new waters. Thanks for sharing

I’m also always in search of the next honey hole. I’ve found several close by in years past and the catch rates keep me looking for more. Glad you found some and hope you find another soon.

Bluegill often just nip at and hold on to the tail of my jigs. Maybe this is what's happening to you as well? Or perhaps your hook has been in use for a long time and is not as sharp as it once was and not poking in as deep as it used to. Just a couple of guesses.

One other think I've noticed is that I lose more fish on my softest rod, the TCB, compared to my other favorites. I believe that the soft action of the TCB just doesn't give me the hookset that the slightly stiffer rods do. I have to remember to SET the hook harder when using the TCB. If you're switching rods that may be contributing to your problem.

Good job trying new water; if can be fun learning and finding them all over again.

stiffer rod and sharper hook is my take , but it could be other things as well ...
congrats on the new spot and KABOOM

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Originally Posted by 6poundtest

Bluegill often just nip at and hold on to the tail of my jigs. Maybe this is what's happening to you as well? Or perhaps your hook has been in use for a long time and is not as sharp as it once was and not poking in as deep as it used to. Just a couple of guesses.

One other think I've noticed is that I lose more fish on my softest rod, the TCB, compared to my other favorites. I believe that the soft action of the TCB just doesn't give me the hookset that the slightly stiffer rods do. I have to remember to SET the hook harder when using the TCB. If you're switching rods that may be contributing to your problem.

Good job trying new water; if can be fun learning and finding them all over again.

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I only use a TCB :). I love the feel, but it might be time to look for another rod because it can certainly get frustrating to lose so many. Thanks for the advice!

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I quit having this problem with my TCB by going to 6lb braid. With the soft tip action combined with any stretch from mono, = missed fish. Also as previously mentioned is the fish just grabbing the tail. try shortening them up a bit. It might help a bit too...Good luck with it, and land a boat full of them nice colored up beauties...

Its not lack of hookset, it takes no effort to penetrate a panfish mouth. You are possibly pulling hooks with too stiff of a rod with braid.

Its usually quite difficult to lose panfish during the fight due to the small mouth and lack of acrobatic skills, i routinely fish with barbless hooks and cannot remember the last time i lost one during a fight on a spinning rod, that did not wrap itself in a snag.

I also rarely set the hook, just lift up on the rod and start reeling so i dont think that is your issue.

If you are using a super light ultralight, i would guess your braid is pulling a hole in the mouth and you are giving slack somehow during the fight where the hook falls out, possibly while netting. I have this issue with my fly rod often.

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Going to be very frank here. It is not the TCB that is the problem. I have not set a hook in years. I don’t have to. I use much softer rods than the TCB and fish hook themselves. I use only JDM jig heads with hooks as sharp as needles. I took a trout trip this past week and used a great lure with a crappy hook. I caught fish but nowhere as many as I should have. If you ever try a jig head made with a Japanese hook I venture to say you won’t go back to US market jig heads. I_fish was so frustrated with US domestic jig heads he started having his own jig heads made. He sells those, and I have used them, and I have to say his hooks are pretty darn good.

Regards


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I will add my 2 cents here, and it builds on a theme that has already started. My Mrs. was having issues with keeping fish on recently, and she had never struggled before. I thought maybe her hook was dull so I changed it with no difference. I was not having any issue and she was starting to get upset so I checked her hood again, and it would not catch my thumb nail. I got her another hook (same brand) from a new pack, problem solved. later that evening I got out several packs of hooks and started doing some random checks. Most of the hooks in the new packs were dull. These are brand new ,purchased in 2024, packs of Eagle Claw hooks. I think QC has gone to crap and you now have to be skeptical of all brands.