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Author Topic: Setting the hook on a baitcaster  (Read 7299 times)

wphow

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Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« on: January 23, 2011, 07:36:14 AM »
I am new to float fishing for steelhead and have a question about setting the hook on a bait casting reel: do you thumb down on the spool when setting the hook and or do you crank the handle to lock the spool?
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Fish or cut bait.

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2011, 08:03:52 AM »
With your thumb resting ever so lightly on the spool as the lines goes out through your drift during freespool mode, SQUEEZE hard and set the hook as required,  then crank your handle (while keeping some tension on the spool) so that your spool is not in the free spool mode anymore and you work off the drag.
You could do it the other way but to me that seems awkward.
You want an INSTANT stop when you strike or you'll be in birdsnest territory and that's not fun when there's a fish on the other end.

Plus when it's cold I don't need both hands freezing at the same time.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2011, 08:07:32 AM by Fish or cut bait. »
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younggun

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2011, 01:39:07 AM »
There's no time to reach up engage the handle and then set the hook. All thumb pressure on a baitcaster.
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Fish killer 101

steelie-slayer

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2011, 09:11:20 AM »
on a baitcaster its basicly all done with your thumb, as the line is flowing out keep your thumb on the spool lightly and when you get a strike push your thumb hard and pull the rod back but not to hard as it might have been a rock and then it can causes you to snag a fish :-\
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gone to the dark side, poor levelwind probly never going to see the water again.

Fish or cut bait.

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2011, 04:04:12 PM »
Wish I had said that.
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wphow

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2011, 07:37:33 PM »
Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.
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joska

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2011, 12:27:14 PM »
Quote from: younggun on January 24, 2011, 01:39:07 AM
There's no time to reach up engage the handle and then set the hook. All thumb pressure on a baitcaster.
well said... set the hook and it is on like donkey kong. thanks to everyone who helps out us rookies.
 the search function makes learning a lot easier for the up and coming rookies, the next generation of anglers.
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If you don't like the fish you're catching... change the bait!!

Fishing2474life

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2011, 12:28:10 PM »
pull up
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Take up a reel sport. Fishing!

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Re: Setting the hook on a baitcaster
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2011, 03:46:35 PM »
Quote
pull up

Who makes those?
HUGGIES?
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