When should I set the hook when fishing finesse?
I've heard mixed responses on this one and I'm sure everyone has their opinion, but I have a hard time sometimes deciding if I should set the hook immediately or wait when fishing finesse because of conflicting views on this topic. While some info out there suggest waiting a second or two before reeling down to ensure that the bass has eaten your bait, another school of thought centers around the notion that the bass has already spit your bait multiple times during that 1-2 second window. At times, I actually find myself pulling the bait out of the fishes mouth when reeling down immediately, and on the flip side it seems like I'm not getting follow up strikes, or that I'm missing fish when not setting the hook immediately. Not sure which is best at this point, or if there's neutral resolution to my problem. Any thoughts or feedback is greatly appreciated.
when you feel the fish sweep set the hook when you feel him it's in his mouth or he is so little you don't need to catch the fish.
I am no pro but I have caught a fish or two... what I have noticed with finesse is that you will sometimes get that strong thump and you KNOW they have committed to that bait and you can set the hook immediately and then you also get those light ticks where they are either spitting it out, moving it, or just getting angry at it. In the second scenario I usually will try and move the bait slightly to see if I can feel them on or make them commit all the way, once I feel them pull or know they are their I am pulling that hook into their mouth.
Just my 2 cents.
I agree with ZamBam on the bites. Sometimes there is a distinct "thump". Sometimes there is just a little "tick" I've even seen my line jump several times as if the fish is hammering my worm trying to kill it. I will usually lower my rod and watch my line. If it's moving I'll set the hook. If it isn't, I'll reel up the slack and feel for the weight of the fish before setting the hook. The fish on my lake tend to swim toward you so if I feel like I've lost contact with the bottom, I'll reel up slack and set the hook as well. Those 3 scenarios work for me. I've learned there is no wrong or right absolutes. It's generally whatever works for you.
I use light wire hooks, and reel into every fish when finesse fishing (I never "set" the hook, mostly because I'm often using 8lb test line or less). I would describe the majority of my finesse bites as feeling "heavy" or "spongey". With a Ned rig, it's entirely possible to just see your slack line swimming off as soon as you flip the bail.
