Fly Fishing For Bass: Setting The Hook

[ness]

No one answer. A heavier weight rod will be stiffer and help; a longer rod gives more leverage (I usually use a 9 foot 8 weight); sharp hooks with enough of an unobstructed gap; a strip set takes in a foot or two of extra line; hesitate a bit before the set. Line management is important too. It's easier to end up with slack with fly tackle, and harder to fix. Keep your eye on it.

[fishinwrench]

I haul back like I'm trying to start a chainsaw with bad gas. I've been hurt a few times but I live for nice firm hooksets.

Sometimes I even do it in my sleep. Prolly why I never could stay married.

[fishinwrench]

Ness !? Did Unice slap your hand again ?

[bfishn]

... a longer rod gives more leverage,,,

...to the fish, not the angler;

[cnr]

Not sure if I agree here. Both the fish and angler are pulling on opposite ends of the rod. I would put the fulcrum in the middle if your gripping the rod one handed. What I do think is that a long rod protects delicate line better by acting as a shock absorber. Also helps on the speed of the hookset by picking up the line more quickly.

[bfishn]

Your hand and body (where the rod butt contacts) are the fulcrum and the opposing force. The long end always has the advantage.

As you noted, tip velocity is the advantage for the longer rod.

[cnr]

Yep. Wasn't thinking of having the rod but in contact with your body. Definite pivot point. I need to fish more. :-/

[ness]

Oh, no -- not physics again.

[Greasy B]

I hate science, it's almost always right.

[ness]

Ness !? Did Unice slap your hand again ?

Naw -- I put her in the home. Party time!