Catfishing Dilema

[OldTimer]

Just because a fish is taking line does not mean the hook is set. It or the lure body may simply be clamped/caught in position. (for example:........ next time you catch a big channel cat - stick your thumb in its mouth to discover how much force they can apply on a foreign object.............smile)

Even the best of drags have to deal with inertia and static adhesion - and there will be a stress peak before it begins to slip.......... so yes the "jerk" will apply a quick tension pulse to the hook point.

Some say circle hooks need no setting......... I don't.

The jaws and toothy structures of some fish resist good penetration.

When using mono the line stretch will work against a good hook set if relying on just reeling pressure.

Plus no matter how much you try to keep hooks sharp - some will get dull during a day of use.

I strive to react like a robot on the "take" of any bait or lure and set the hook HARD as quickly as I can when the line is taught. I only tone this down a tad when fishing Crappie (aka Papermouth).

In saltwater on bigger fish I may set the hook 2, 3, . even 4 times.

Cheers,

OldTimer