Tips for Landing Fish

[JuniorFloatnFly]

Hey everybody, new to the forum. Being only 18 years old i have been quite limited with my fishing experience as I only started steelhead fishing a few years ago and mainly fly fishing for residents before that. I recently bought a car which opened the door to fishing opportunities for me. I have progressed significantly and feel more confident at getting hookups although im still losing more fish than landing. Today i got out for the first time this year and went 2-6 losing them on hook pullouts. I use #10 specialist hooks and they've been working better than the octupus, but they still seem to pop out... any advice?

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[W_boughner]

Try giving the fish a second before you set the hook to get it a little deeper in the mouth

 

[Kit]

Yeah what Will said. Dont set right away. Wait a second or two then set. Dont let the line have slack. once you do chances are the fish will get off by head shakes or going under cover.

 

[steelhead101]

check out Canadian sport fishing creeks, italo uses a wide gap hook and it literally acts like a ring in the trouts mouth. something worth a try

 

[Christopheraaron]

Keep using the specialist hook, they're great hooks! Apart from avoiding slack line and waiting a split second before setting always keep your rod fairly low when fighting fish, it makes it harder for the hook to come out and if they run at you you have room to lift your rod and regain the line.

 

[Kasim Baluch]

Use to have the same problem buddy, after advice from the OFF boys I set the hook twice if I got nervous (still felt like I was a beginner) and it helped but I felt like practice and finding that balance between of keeping your line tight and letting that fish fight a bit as well. You got some beauty pictures so your obviously doing something right. You'll find it and best of luck!

 

[Kit]

Use to have the same problem buddy, after advice from the OFF boys I set the hook twice if I got nervous (still felt like I was a beginner) and it helped but I felt like practice and finding that balance between of keeping your line tight and letting that fish fight a bit as well. You got some beauty pictures so your obviously doing something right. You'll find it and best of luck!

Yeah we all suck when we start out.

 

[JuniorFloatnFly]

thanks everyone ill certainly take all these tips into consideration the next time Im drifting. Im certain my hooksets was a factor into losing fish. Many times in the past the hook has popped out as the fish jumps or gives violent headshakes initially after hooking it. Its the BIGGEST tease lol. Might need to keep the tension a little tighter or something too ..

 

[fishfearme]

I'm not saying this is the case in your situation, but I find some guys seem a little shy when it comes to setting the hook. Set it hard to the penetration and holding power. Also, slack line is your enemy. Don't give the fish any advantage. Your rad may also be a factor. A rod with a slow, soft tip will not set the hook as well as a rod with a faster tip. The further your drift gets from you, the tougher it is to get a decent hook set.

 

[Christopheraaron]

Fight the fish to your side as well, it makes it harder for the fish to jump, once it jumps there isn't much you can do but hope.