Hojo Posted September 21, 2013 Report Share Posted September 21, 2013 Like the title says, having trouble getting hooked up and need some help. I'm getting bit, but can't seem to get the hook in any of them. Lost a big girl the other morning and most have been full commits to eating. Equipment: Rod - Powell Swimbait rod 711h Reel - conquest 100; drag as tight as I can get it Line - 50# power pro straight-tied to bait Hook set: typically keep reeling and as the rod loads pull hard/fast to the 2:30-3:00 position if 12:00 was the top of your head. I haven't tried scent. Hook visually looks good and clears the plastic channel. I have boulder the bait so it is a bit softer. Let me know your thoughts, ideas, suggestions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkH024 Posted September 21, 2013 Report Share Posted September 21, 2013 Heavy rod, tight drag and braid means you're probably ripping the hook free. Loosen your drag up and play the fish some. No reason to lock your drag for bass fishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanhick Posted September 21, 2013 Report Share Posted September 21, 2013 X2 on ripping the hook out I have that same rod and it's stout. Couple that with tight drag and lack of line stretch the hook site is weakest part of the equation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbass Posted September 21, 2013 Report Share Posted September 21, 2013 Loosen the drag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aasenke Posted September 21, 2013 Report Share Posted September 21, 2013 Try mono, that may help your situation! Its helped mine after I switched from braid to mono! Thanks for that tip, Louie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigworm Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 If that rod is extra stiff and you are using braid it may be the problem.. I love braid but use it on my loomis 955 for small baits like the 68 and rising son. It has a lot of give. Also the hook gap is pretty slim on the 68's open it up a bit with pliers to get a deeper bite. Your going to lose fish no matter what but 0 for 6 isn't good. The beauty of line through baits like the rising son is that you will hardely ever lose a fish after it is hooked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hojo Posted September 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Thanks for the feedback - I will try loosening the drag. I guess I was thinking I needed to "drive the hook home" since I wasn't using a treble. I hear you on the rising son but the grass gets thick down here and I have been having trouble getting the RS through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilcatfish Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 I agree with others, loosen up that drag. Otherwise, try mono. I used to think braid was great but after seeing the success guys here have with mono I switched and would say my hookup ratio is much better. I only use braid for punkers and frogs these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossypumpkin Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 I would never use braid on swimbaits. Just not necessary, IMO. My hudd hookup ratio is excellent with mono. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slammedsdime Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 What results do you get when throwing a top hook version of the same bait? Are you adding any trap hooks? is the hook on the huddleston still sharp? also, are you fishing from a boat or shore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brooks19604 Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 try mono or copolymer and loosen your drag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Addict Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 i must be in the minority, my drag is always locked out especially on the weedless huds, you need to be able to drive that baby home. If I back off the drag, it takes away the power from the hook set. Of course, I only use braid if I am fishing heavy matt, litllies or thick weeds and in those cases I would probably being throwing a grass minnow, mission fish or a 316 minnow or the like. 99% of my sbing im using big game. You got to keep pressure on hud fish or they come off and you need a strong hook set for weedless baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jut Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 At least your getting bit i cant buy a bite on a hudd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hojo Posted September 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 What results do you get when throwing a top hook version of the same bait?Are you adding any trap hooks? is the hook on the huddleston still sharp? also, are you fishing from a boat or shore? -haven't thrown the top hook or add trap hook as I need a weedless presentation. The hook is still sticky and I'm a shore-bound bank beater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Dot Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 FYI - your drag is suppose to give just a lil every hookset. if not, you are prone to bending your spool, or spool pin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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