How to hook a roe bag?

[coldfeet]

it's funny how everyone has their own preferences how to rig up, I think I'll try some of these methods for a change. I like to run it through the mesh but puncture one egg rotate it and hide the hook, maybe I'm hiding the hook too much

 

[bski48]

Size 14s for me, really feel anything bigger will spook the fish particularly in clear water. As far as how to hook a roe bag I used to go through the knot but found them to be tougher to rip off the hook. Recently been just catching the mesh, though in clear water days the hook colour I found has made a difference. On murky water days I'll actually puncture an egg with the hook to release the scent down drift. Best suggestion is experiment and adjust, it's amazing how simple changes can be the difference between catching fish and not

 

[JustOneMoreTime]

Hopefully I don't have a "dirty mind" .... but
the whole HOOK SIZE debate conjures up similarities to one's Johnston size. (you know: "trouser snake")

'cept with the Steelhead community - SMALL seems to be the more "Manly choice".

To each their own.

__________

Personally I use a #6 octo 90% of the time. A wider GAP will give a better hookup ratio. That is a fact.
However, If the conditions deem that only the Perfect of Presentations will work, then so be it - Smaller size hook.

(I will always go through at least one egg for the scent goo - bags are tied super tight)

Chrome & Conditions can be funny.

I've seen them hitting the most brutal of presentations (anything that friggin moves or smells) and other days I have seen them acting like prima donnas ... only interested in one specific type of offering.

Traditionally, from a FLY FISHERMAN point of view, as long as your matching the hatch / current available food sources ... then your in the money.

Now go and ask an "Honest Fly Fisherman" (lol) and see if that works 100% of the time.
NOT!

SMALL or BIG both have their moments.
SMALL or BIG both have different prospectives ( Some call #10 big, Some call #6 Small) .... it's all RELATIVE.

Confused?

I am

 

[frozenfire]

I personally think hook size isn't a big issue.
Yes, I will run smaller hooks when using smaller baits and larger hooks for larger baits.... but when I think about it - People who use beads will have exposed hooks that just dangle under the bead. The fish inhale the beads all the same and ignore the exposed bare hook. Kind of makes you wonder if the hook really matters at all. The fish is supposed to be keyed in on your offering....not examining your hook and how big it is.

 

[W_boughner]

If you use bigger hooks there's a greater chance that the fish will see the hook and shy away where as a smaller hook would go unnoticed

 

[Float_down]

If you use bigger hooks there's a greater chance that the fish will see the hook and shy away where as a smaller hook would go unnoticed

I used to think that way until I started fishing with a guy who always runs 6-2 octo's. We were fishing a small super clear east trib and he was going fish for fish right next to me, where as other guys where having trouble and saying "they're being finicky" he was running the same bags I was, with those monster hooks, only difference was he put way more on the bank then I did. I think we give steel way too much credit, it's a lot of fun to try and analyze every small detail of what we do, but when it comes down to it, some days they're no different then rock bass, and will hit anything that is presented to them.
I always just think of it like deer hunting with a bow. Every small little detail will help you be successful, covering up your scent, hiding yourself etc.

 

[fishfearme]

I used to run small hooks and couldn't figure out why I had a hard time keeping big fish hooked. When a buddy of mine told me to up the size of my hook, I was a little reluctant, but am I ever glad I did. I don't run anything smaller than a size 10 now, and it is a rare occasion that I run them that small. I catch and land more fish now than I ever did, so there was no noticeable negative impact from upsizing. The big difference is now I land those big fish, for one simple reason; the bigger hook gets better penetration and therefore holds the fish better.

 

[CanadianAngler87]

Hook size is way over rated. Id use bigger but I like the thought um giving the fish a fair fight! Lol