In article <1992Nov19.005543.9988@nevada.edu> funky@nevada.edu (MATTHEW KAPHAN) writes:
>
> First, the setting: Willow beach, Lake Mohave, Arizona. Night fishing for
>stripers.
>
>I have a 1/0 hook (I think, tackle box isn't handy to check), with half an
>anchovie hooked to it. I get a bite, but when do I set the hook? As soon
>as I feel the fish? a second later? Do I not set the hook at all?
>
>I must've lost 5 fish because I can't figure out when to set the hook.
>Please help!
I've found it necessary to wait longer before setting the hook when fishing
cut bait than live bait. We fish cut bait (herring) for stripers in the spring
by anchoring and casting away from the boat. We anchor the front of the boat
as well as the back to keep the boat from shifting. The lines are rigged
with a slip (egg) sinker above a barrel swivel. On the other end of the barrel
swivel is a 3ft leader and hook. The lines are casted out the sides of the
boat and left with plenty of slack in the lines. Using the slip sinker allows
the fish to pick up the bait and start running, pulling up the slack, without
feeling any resistance. By the time the line is tight and the rod is bent
over I'll set the hook, although if the drag is fairly tight it will already
be set pretty good.
My rods are usually in rod holders, but sometimes a fish will hit while I'm
holding the rod. If you're doing this try keeping the line a little more taught. Once you feel the fish "messing" with the bait, hold the rod tip high in the
air and lower it at the fish as he runs. Once the tip is to the water, set
