Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Setting the hook???

Maybe its just me but I can't understand why some fishermen (and I know guys who have been fishing for 30+yrs) try to set the hook like they hooked a shark. You wouldn't believe how many bobbers and hooks I've ducked. These are panfish!!!

I can keep up with them but I'm not ripping the lips off. Is there a logic to this that I'm missing?

I have no idea my dad does this.. I'm talking over the shoulder full body pulls on bluegill its kinda comical..

I never set the hook at all - I think that it's pointless when fishing predators with artificial baits (spoons, spinners, any plastic/wodden cranks etc.). I think that fish sets the hook by itself. If it's done properly then you get it, if not then you loose it.
I know that only a few will agree but I've never observed that due to this technique I'd lost more fish than other fishermen.

When I use baitfish or live worms then setting the hook is a must - the situation is a bit different.

By the way, a friend of mine once was trying to catch some pike in a small pond. Suddenly an unexpected "monster" decided to eat the lure but after some fighting it got free. Of course, my friend became very nervous and when next pike attacked the lure, he set the hook like it's described in the first post. Poor little pike (less than 1 lb) landed some meters behind my friend...

If you're fishing with someone like that and they get a bite, get ready to duck (especially in a boat). If I get a bite, I give a tug to set the hook. I'm not pulling the fish out at 90mph!

I've had a fish come out of the water. Thought I had a mile of line out and there was about 10 feet.