YJ Guide Service
7/3/2011 9:52:00 PMTrailer hooks and more trailer hooks lol...Godd report mark and congrats
AJ's Dad
7/4/2011 7:08:00 AMIt would be easier to make suggestions if we new what kind of topwater baits you are using. Soft plastics, hard plastic spook type baits, buzzzbaits? Sounds like you are finding them. A little fine tuning and you have stellar days on the horizon. Happy Fishing
Mark K
7/4/2011 6:38:00 PMThanks YJGS and AJ's Dad. I was using Prop Baits. Pretty much like a Zara Spook with a prop on each end. Hit it again today and the action was the same. Caught my fair share of fish but missed a bunch more. I know it's normal to miss fish on top water, but it seems like I'm doing something wrong with that particular bait..
Xwisconyfisherman
7/4/2011 9:12:00 PMWhen i fish buzz baits on that river I close my eyes when i see a big shadow coming up after my bait or try to at least. I've found that no matter how hard you try or least no matter how hard I try I get a little trigger happy when i see the fish coming up after my bait but when i see the fish coming and close my eyes my hook ups are way better and of course I always have a trailer hook!
AJ's Dad
7/5/2011 6:59:00 AMObviously you aren't going to hang more hooks on a prop bait like that. The only thing I would suggest to increase your hookups with that type of bait is to practice your patience. If you aren't already doing this. When the fish hits the bait, drop the rod tip towards the water. That creates slack in the line and lets the fish turn to the bottom and usually slightly away from you. Then set the hook. Once the fish changes his angle of direction from you, you are essentually pulling the hook back into the fish. This is not a slow thing. You get the hit, drop the tip and set the hook in about 2 seconds. This was something I had a real hard time doing. I do the same thing when fishing soft plastic baits like frogs. You can't wait too long either. Too long and the fish will spit the lure once he realizes it's not real food. I would also suggest making sure your hooks are good and sharp. A hook file is an inexpensive investment and can saeva ton of frustration. Hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Fishing
Mark K
7/7/2011 8:29:00 PMThanks for the advice Xwisconyfisherman and AJ's Dad. I was really focusing on being patient so maybe the problem was that I waited too long to set the hook. I will have to try both suggestions. I really appreciate all the help guys!