Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

Well guys, I am getting the hang of the baitcasters. Sorta! Still have a flare-up from time to time, but its getting better.

I was out on the lake very early Saturday morning hoping to do a little topwater fishing. I was throwing a white and chart. buzzbait to the bank, set the hook on 2 very nice fish, but they managed to spit it out. I was pretty upset. GUess I know how the pros feel when their playin for million bucks.

Today, I was throwing a 7.5 inch red shad worm. Man I was getting all kind of bites on that thing but couldnt set the hook on anything. Finally got one nice one.

Question: I need tips on setting the hook on worms. WHen I spoke of all the bites I got, it feels like a huge bluegill just peckin it. They will peck it once or twice and leave it. Is it something I am not doing right? I cant figure it out. The one I caught, the bass took it and was running with it.

Anyway, I am still all excited for gettin my first keeper. Only bad thing is I think I am hooked on bassfishin. Been out for the last 3 days.

Congrats! Nice fish!!
Ususally when worm fishing the first tap is the bass inhaling the bait, the second tap exhaling the bait. I usually set the hook on the first tap if possible. Many times, it can be bluegill or small bass just pecking away at your worm. So don't worry to much about missed strikes unless you feeel a very definate thump, then, you probably missed a big one. I try to keep a fairly tight line so I can "feel" some weight when the bass takes the bait, then set the hook. If I see my line jump at the wterline, I'll set the hook also. Good luck and just keep hammerin' away. Johnnie

Jonnie's right at that first tap set the hook. Keep at it you will get to were you start catching more and more. You got the first one out of the way and I hope that many more will come your way.

Well I need to work on my reaction time. It usually gets hit twice(bump bump)before I even think about setting the hook.

I need to work on cranking my crankbaits too. Havent had a single bite on them. Found a couple big brush piles in 15' of water. Tied on a Norman DD22 and threw it till my arms were mush. Any tips on cranking?