Mark's Tips

Setting The Hook

More strikes are missed because anglers insist on setting the hook at the wrong time with a vicious swipe of the rod. You'll hook more fish if you follow the proper technique and let timing work for you. The key lies in making sure that the line is absolutely tight before you do anything. When you feel a strike, crank the reel handle rapidly until the line tightens and you can feel the fish straining on the other end. In some instances, you may want to hesitate a moment until the fish swims off and the line comes tight or use a combination of both methods. At that time, you can continue reeling or make several short, sharp jabs to the side with the rod. By setting with the rod horizontal to the water, you keep the bait or lure in front of the fish if you miss. Keep in mind that you don't have to wait a long time for a fish to swallow a bait (even a live one). They can gulp their meal in a fraction of a second. Remember to take the slack out of the line before setting the hook and you'll land more fish.

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