Welcome to Galvman's Fishing Tips

Setting the Hook

Setting the hook on a fish is not as complicated as it may seem. Lots of anglers loose fish because they don't know how to set the hook on a fish they have caught. I've seen many a fisherman try to set a hook as if they have to bury the hook into a 2x4, why is that? Also why do many fisherman set the hook twice, three times, as many as four times? Are they afraid that the fish might get away if it isn't buried into the fishes head!

Setting the hook should be a simple process of winding the line down till the tension is tight and setting the hook in one fluid motion. If the hook is sharp, which is always a good idea, then the point will pass easily and there is no need to set it again. Don't try to set the hook as if you are trying to set it into a piece of wood, set it with a graceful but swift pull, not a jerk. This applies to most inshore fish caught on the flats and to most lake and river fish. Once the hook is set, keep the line taught and don't allow any slack in the line while fighting the fish. If the fish runs at you take up the slack quickly, if the fish runs away from you, let the fish take the line. The reels drag will do the work, just remember to keep the line taught. I once caught a 25lb Jack Crevalle, which are known to tear up light tackle, on 12lb line and a stiff trout pole. It took 30 mins to fight this fish and the fight was very tiring but I managed to bring the fish in, have it photographed and set it free.

When do you set the hook? When the line becomes tight and you can feel the pull of the fish. Then what do you do? Wind the line down and set the hook with a firm and swift pull, then keep the line tight throughout the fight. If you keep this in mind you will have a greater hook up ratio. Thanks for coming!