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2 weeks in a row now I've had a couple of REALLY nice slabs on. I'm fishing docks right now until my boat choice is made. Fishing in 30to 40 ft of water about 20-24 down. Get the thump, set the hook, bring the fish up but the second it hits the surface of the water, out comes the jig and I can do nothing but watch the dang thing wave good bye and head back down! The smaller crappie stay hooked. Am I doing something wrong or is the fishing Gods laughing at me? HELP!!
Gonna toss my thoughts, may be totally wrong. First thing that comes to mind, are you using a Sharp hook? Make sure those hooks are sharp, second, your hook has not been bent at all from hanging up in trees and stuff? is your rod to limber to properly set the hook in that depth of water? Maybe a lot more stretch in your line then you think? just a couple ideas that come to my mind. I am sure some experienced guys will chime in.
You dont have a set of lips hanging on that hook after they flip off do you?
I would highly recommend Braid!!! Once them fishes get that deep, I think it really helps. Oh, have you ever seen Ranger set the hook? Looks like he is hooking a 200# tuna, but up comes the fish! Hard to argue with success.
Set the hook!!!!!! Got to cross their eyes at that depth.
It's a birthday present from the crappie goods. They're giving you a glimpse of things to come! :biggrin But seriously, it may be a too flexible rod not allowing you the good hookset. But what do I know??
Using a 7 ft Lews UL jigging rod, within the lure size tagged on the rod (that don't mean didley) with 12# braided. Brand new #4 sickle, don't know the brand as Bobo pours my heads. First hunt of the morning on a fresh jig with no prior hang ups. Or, it can be my third or fourth hookup with the 3 prior being landed. No particular pattern set. I'm beginning to think I need to blow the roof off the dock with my rod tip. Maybe I'm just not driving it home.
I am thinking that you need to set hook harder then, I snapped a rod a not long ago from setting the hook. That was on a 5' Falcon Bucoo UL.
Set the hook harder. Is a 7' Ultra Lite the best choice at that deep of water?
Don't know if it is or not. I used 5 1/2' Fenwick UL's forever but after fishing a dock for 5-6 hours I was so stoved up I looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame and couldn't straighten up for awhile. Do I have to set harder with a longer rod? Never had this issue before.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrNip