Setting the Hook with Soft Hackles

[podum]

I have recently started fishing soft hackle flies using the across cast, swing and rise.  The fish have obliged, usually with an aggressive strike on the rise.  My hook up rate has been about 50%.  The tension in the line at the end of the swing creates a very different dynamic than a usual drift and strike.  What do you all do with rod position, line tension, etc. to increase hook ups?  Thoughts and experiences appreciated.

[Lancer09]

Just like any swung streamer I never like to set with the hook straight up. Keep your rod tip pointed not directly at, but in the general direction of your fly. Set the hook low not up, or a strip set but don't hammer them. Let them get the hook.

It was a feel thing for me and took a while but that's just what works for me. 

[Gavin]

Work on your drift. Want it to look like a reversed L shape when fishing flies downstream like that. Tension on the line usually sets the hook. Think it's called a hitch mend by geeked out fly fishers. 

[Phil Lilley]

I've never had a good ratio of fish-to-hand when fishing soft hackles.  Never heard anyone that has.  Most times they set themselves.  I think the issue it how they take the fly and where it ends up in the mouth-- the bottom.  I end up hooking most in the tongue... that's why I think so many pull out.

[snagged in outlet 3]

11 hours ago, Gavin said:

Work on your drift. Want it to look like a reversed L shape when fishing flies downstream like that. Tension on the line usually sets the hook. Think it's called a hitch mend by geeked out fly fishers. 

Gavin is correct. 

The bigger the bow in your line the more you'll hook.   I like the bow in the line downstream of the fly.  Gives a cushion to the tight line.   

I've primarily fly fished for the past 50 years or so but I don't think I'm geeked out.  

Whatever that means. 

Pete

[podum]

All helpful thoughts.  Thanks.

[jackdizo]

I agree with Lancer. Keep the rod tip low and set to the opposite side of the bank from your swing, while also strip setting in many cases. This will help get the hook to stick the fish in the side / upper portion of the jaw / mouth and ensure a better hook set. Many times the fish is already hooked just from the aggressive take. Also having the big half moon or L shaped mend on the swing helps out alot. Love fishing soft hackles on the swing, especially when the fish seem to be taking them real aggressive. Can be alot of fun.

Here is a little article I found helpful when reading about swinging soft hackles..

http://www.chrisdore.com/apps/blog/show/43376460-better-hook-sets-on-the-swing

Cheers!

[snagged in outlet 3]

When I  fish anything on the swing I want it to sit there where I cast it until the bow in the line pulls it downstream. When stuff tries to "get away" in a stream it always heads downstream.   Buggers, streamers and soft hackles I fish all of them the same way.  

SIO3

[jtram]

low rod tip, strip set and keep your rod tip down through the initial part of the fight.

[Lancer09]

5 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

When I  fish anything on the swing I want it to sit there where I cast it until the bow in the line pulls it downstream. When stuff tries to "get away" in a stream it always heads downstream.   Buggers, streamers and soft hackles I fish all of them the same way.  

SIO3

Going to disagree with you on this one.

Anytime i get fish on a swing it is either right when my fly hits the water or after my fly has turned broadside or started coming back facing upstream. 

If you look into a lot of the swinging stuff from steel head guys out west they always try to keep their fly broadside as much as possible to be the most visible.