Fish not sticking

[drad2k4]

Today we had three fish hit our black magic hoochie and not stick. These fish pounded and each popped off the clip. Any suggestions on how to tie the leaders to ensure better hookups. What are the best hooks? Today I was using 5/0 gamakatsu octopus hooks.

 

[tortuga]

Were the hooks new? If so maybe bury the line deeper in the clip would help. If you aren't using a tandem hook set up try that so the trailer is at the back of the hootchie. Maybe it was just one of those days. Where were you fishing?

LET GO OF THE REEL!!!

 

[drad2k4]

They were new and tandem. The clips could be getting a little weak that very well may be one of the issues. They could be hitting it and its popping right of way before the hooks actually have time to bight.

 

[TheBigGuy]

Were you trolling very slowly, and did you have the line tightened down so that there was a deep bend in the rods? If trolling slow and the reels aren't cranked down, when the pin pops that can create too much slack in the line leading to lost fish. If your clips aren't tight enough and there is too much slack in the line it will result in a poor hook set. You could try doing a power hook set when you see the pin pop. Speed up until the slack is out of the line, and you can see the fish is taking out line. Then slow back down and play the fish as usual. Worth a try, to see if it improves our catch ratio.

I mostly use single siwash hooks with hoochies. I bend the hook so the gap is smaller, then I bend it at an offset angle from the shank. This tends to hold fish far better with barbless hooks. I also rig with gammies sometimes as they are great hooks, but I use them far less than siwash hooks.

 

[Peahead]

I think the reason you are missing hook ups ( if your hooks are sticky sharp) is that your release clips are not tight. I use scotty glow tip clips ( with the extra tighten device) and make sure it takes a big strong pull to unclip them. If you don't have tight clips them grab the rod upon hit and reel like crazy and show him whos boss by putting strong tension against hom ...not a viscious strike but strong resistance to set the hook. I am a strong beleiver in the hooks you are using ...a big octopus or steelhead hook in Tandem (or single if the hook is a bigger 5/0 or 6/0), especially for sockeye. I don't like the hootchie to have a swivel inside it attached to a siwash which some guys fish. I disagree that the commercial trollers senario is best with using the huge siwash hook. It works but I don't like it as much. The reason commercial use massive siwash hook is because they need the fish to stay on fighting against a lure that doesn't give much...somewhat like a big gaff ( to exagerrate my point) ... with no line being pulled out of a reel or mono line stretch to cushion the pressure on the fishes mouth. Also commercial trollers work on volume with 150 + lures . You think they don't lose fish or miss hook ups ? I think a tandem octopus will hook up more fish than a huge siwash. Once a big siwash is hooked up it however does holds very well though. Remember drad2k4 wasn't getting a hook up.....not so much that he was lossing them after the hook up.

 

[spring fever]

If you are fishing deep I notice on my boat that you have to drum into new guys to reel like the hounds of hell are after you to get that slack up and get on the fish. Quite often they think there is nothing there and ease up- I never quit til I see that flasher up. I agree with most of the other stuff about clips etc. and especially sticky sharp hooks. Try it all!! A missed hook-up is a major disappointment but hey! the bait is right.

 

[Steelhead S2]

Maybe a bit of an aside, but does anyone on here run circle hooks on their hoochies or spoons? I have not, but I think they would work and hold fish really well without a bard. And still an easy release when necessary.

I have fished them in other fisheries, and a hammering strike will set up. The don't have to have time to chew on it.

 

[Dogbreath]

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[Charlie]

Did you rig them yourself? If so, did you use any beads? They could be "short biting"

Beads are not always necessary, but sure won't hurt to put a couple on. If no beads, try using a couple on the inside of the hoochie. Here is a good article you can read, if you don't want to read the whole thing, scroll down, you'll see a tandem set, using beads.

http://www.captaindownriggins.com/Rigging.htm

 

[drad2k4]

I have to come to the conclusion that it probably was because they weren't cranked down enough and a little bit of bad luck. Today we put the clips to the tighter setting and we hooked into a couple. Thanks for the tips.