Hook Set

[bigugly]

Having a hell of a time getting hooked up no matter what bait I'm using. I've had numerous decent fish hit and have felt the initial weight of the fish but it's always to late. Using a spinning reel and I think I'm controlling my slack but it ends up the current is always taking some line out in a big swoop. Really looking forward to getting a pin to help control this. I was saving up for a new rod and reel but think I'll get the reel first. I'm really frustrated, it's driving me crazy actually. I've been extremely successful in all other fishing but these steelhead are driving me nuts. I'll leave creek thinking never again but fivei Utes later I'm thinking of next time. Lol

 

[staffman]

I think that most of the time dull hooks are the cause for not hooking up. I check my hook after 3 or 4 drifts to make sure I haven't damaged the hook point. When using a spinning reel I position my self differently than when I use a float reel. With a spinning reel I like to position myself in the centre of the pool and cast upstream at a 30 degree angle and let it drift downstream to a point where my float starts swinging towards shore. I find it necessary to shift down a couple of feet and start again after a few drifts, until the entire pool is covered . Your hooks are likely your biggest problem .I use Diiaichi 1150s or Raven specialists. If you are using a soft rod like an IM6 you need to set harder than when you are using a stiffer rod like a CTS.

 

[tossing iron]

Keep your drift in closer.
Depending on the length of rod when your tip is up properly you should have no line dragging . Work the water starting at your feet and gradually step out further.

 

[NADO]

You need to mend your line similar to fly fishing while drifting before the slack gets too bad. If you keep on top of it or if you are fishing a smaller river you should be able to just lift the line with your rod and place the line where you need it to go. On bigger rivers I do a mini hook set to get rid of the slack line because lifting will just cause the float to chase the line in the direction of the slack. You want to do the perfect hooks that is strong enough to lift all of the line off the water while barely causing the float to move. It's sometimes easier said than done, a heavier float helps.

 

[bigugly]

I'm always checking my hooks and change them when needed then touch them up at home. Going to need to keep drifts shorter.

 

[trouttamer]

Basically what Nado said.
if you have slack line you have to pick it all up before getting to the fish this results in a high and weak hookset, even more so if you are using a slower rod, Pay attention to your line aswell as the float .Set into the fish at a closer angle to the water and set back hard both will give you a strong set. keep the least amount of line out as possible and when needed open bail and feather out more line all the while watching the float and the mend
Darrin

 

[fisherman kid]

guys check out my youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7K0ji0D5txf3BkSnCKh3gQ
Northwoodfishingbros, very much appreciated