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First year to ever fish this way was doing real good until rain rain and more rain I use # 6 long shank hook problem I'm having lot is swallowing the hook if I'm going to keep them it is ok but I throw most I catch back but can't if they swallow the hook any ideals what to try or is this just part of this type of fishing?
Have always been told to cut the line and leave hook in place and it will dissolve
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I'm no drop shot expert, but I think the long shank hook might be the problem. All the drop shot hooks I see are short.
What DBD said. I'm also a novice at that technique but I see an Octopus hook on most rigs. That said, I also see where that might not work either. Crappie aren't bandits that grab and run like a gill or young bass. them taking it deep might ust be compounded by the shorter hook. I guess i'm no help at all on this. Let us all know what you find as you go along, you can't be the only one experiencing this.
Makes sense that for dropshot hooks needs be shorter,and really shouldn't be on much of a tag end if at all.If you think about it,a short hook tucked tight to the main line actually prevents the fish from sucking the hook deep.The fishes lips contact the main line as it pulls the lure/ bait into its mouth,this could work much like a depth gauge,allowing the fish to be hooked in the mouth instead of the gut,in my humble opinion.
My experience is that you are not setting the hook quick enough
Agree with Cricket George, set the hook faster.
Yeah set hook sooner and use maybe a heavier weight to aid in more feel. Keep tight line connection to that sinker and that will help you detect bites better. Don't wait around when they are chewing on it. They get it down quick.
I tie a palomar knot then take tab through hook eye . This keeps hook tip up and stem of hook on line , thus making swallowing hook difficult . Do both hooks the same then weight in bottom .
That is how I have it set upQuote:
Originally Posted by eagle 1
shorter hook stem/shaft is all you can do . What size hook are you using ? try #4.
# 6 I think some of it they hit it on the fall before the sinker hit bottom line is slack hate to give up its been the only way I've caught most of the fish this spring
Are you letting the bait down on a free fall or a tight line ? tight line on a long pole is killer for sure . :fish
Free fall
I use a #4 tru-turn type hook on my drop-shot rigs and set the hook instantly on feeling anything. I rarely deep hook even catfish with this rig. Corner of the mouth most of the time.
Deep hooking is one reason clients drive me crazy when fishing with a bobber. They tend to let the line get a lot of slack so they have to reel it out before they can set the hook.
I set the hook as soon as I see line movement or feel a nibble and usually hook them in the mouth. Occasionally, when distracted by one of my kids or untangling a loop in the spool, I've reeled up only to find a fish on and hooked deep. Can't do anything but throw them in the cooler after that as they'll generally die even if it looks like the hook came out relatively clean. There is always the option of smashing the barb down on the hook with some pliers. Never did this with bream, but have had good success with getting the hook out of trout without harm with a barb less hook. I don't often plan to keep trout though.
I've had good results pinching the barbs down on hooks with pan fish as the little bitters seem to pull an not run at you or jump like there larger cousins, But, keeping the bait on is a different matter!
Eagle Claw hooks used to have bait holder hooks with small barbs on the shaft of the hook , might have to look for some ,pinch the barb, and see if they will still hold the bait, has to be better than a smooth shank.Quote:
Originally Posted by hugastump
I use 11/6 minni mits and for the most part gills always stop at the lead very rarely do I need to worry about them swallowing it
How deep is the water where you are fishing ? If less than 17-18 ft try a 14 ft. rod and let it down with no slack . jmo. :popcorn