Is it just my luck?

[Kevin2023]

I fished for steelhead on the Sandy around oxbow today. I didn't have any luck until I was making my way back to the truck. I found a nice little piece of water and started to chuck flies. I was dredging a small egg pattern with a 5' fast sink tip and 4 foot leader and I got bit hard, strip set the hook and lift rod tip when I first feel the tug, air ball. This happened 3 times within about 15 drifts:passout:. I am using size 6 eagle claw hooks that have been sharpened after leaving the package. Am I doing something wrong or do I just have really bad luck? This is my year. I know it is. I will have the first one on the BBQ by new years. Any advice would be appreciated.

Kevin

[Slow and Low]

I fished for steelhead on the Sandy around oxbow today. I didn't have any luck until I was making my way back to the truck. I found a nice little piece of water and started to chuck flies. I was dredging a small egg pattern with a 5' fast sink tip and 4 foot leader and I got bit hard, strip set the hook and lift rod tip when I first feel the tug, air ball. This happened 3 times within about 15 drifts:passout:. I am using size 6 eagle claw hooks that have been sharpened after leaving the package. Am I doing something wrong or do I just have really bad luck? This is my year. I know it is. I will have the first one on the BBQ by new years. Any advice would be appreciated.

Kevin

Not sure but if you are swinging, which it sounds like you are, don't set the hook...ever. That's my two cents.

[Kevin2023]

I wouldn't call it swinging but to each their own. I was merely drift fishing with a sinktip.

[TallFlyGuy]

Not sure but if you are swinging, which it sounds like you are, don't set the hook...ever. That's my two cents.

Huh? Are you drinking Sam?

[Slow and Low]

Huh? Are you drinking Sam?

usually. you don't set the hook do you? it's rule number one fishing with me. a swung fly requires no hook set. and if the fish misses we call it a grab right? if you haven't tried to set the hook, many times the fish will continue the chase and several grabs may ensue and sometimes the fish is hooked. one twitch of that fly rod and you will put one of those players down every single time.

[TallFlyGuy]

Hmm. So a fish grabs, turns and starts taking line. You just sit and wait? Never lift your rod or set your hook? You set your drag real tight?

I agree with you on not setting until the fish has committed. When the loop has been pulled and there is heavy tension, I swing toward the shore. I've never heard of anyone not setting the hook at all.

[AndyK]

I am using size 6 eagle claw hooks that have been sharpened after leaving the package. Am I doing something wrong or do I just have really bad luck?

Sometimes a size 6 hook doesn't get enough grab on a steelhead or salmon's jaw. Tie the same size fly with a #4 or even a #2 Octopus type hook and see if your results are different.

[Slow and Low]

Hmm. So a fish grabs, turns and starts taking line. You just sit and wait? Never lift your rod or set your hook? You set your drag real tight?

I agree with you on not setting until the fish has committed. When the loop has been pulled and there is heavy tension, I swing toward the shore. I've never heard of anyone not setting the hook at all.


hopefully all hell breaks loose. usually the loop is ripped away. the exception would be a limp pick up where you feel the fish but it's not pulling away...we go about 25-50% on those fish for hook ups. if he's on I pick up if it's just a bump or grab I wait. None of the guys I fish with set the hook unless he's on, we just lift the rod, in fact we scorn each other for picking up too soon. I don't think I have all the answers but I have never set the hook Bill Dance style while swinging.

[Zugbug66]

I only set the hook when nymphing. and then I like to swing the rod downstream and up. better hookups. But on the swing, drop the loop and hang on.

[Ryan Pultz]

I agree with Andy go with a bit larger hook. rp

[Kevin2023]

Sometimes a size 6 hook doesn't get enough grab on a steelhead or salmon's jaw. Tie the same size fly with a #4 or even a #2 Octopus type hook and see if your results are different.

I tied a few in size 2. I'll let you know the results the next time out. On the bright side though my double spey isn't so ugly anymore. I did get a little practice in.

[TallFlyGuy]

hopefully all hell breaks loose. usually the loop is ripped away. the exception would be a limp pick up where you feel the fish but it's not pulling away...we go about 25-50% on those fish for hook ups. if he's on I pick up if it's just a bump or grab I wait. None of the guys I fish with set the hook unless he's on, we just lift the rod, in fact we scorn each other for picking up too soon. I don't think I have all the answers but I have never set the hook Bill Dance style while swinging.

Wow, You are one lucky guy if most of your takes have the loop ripped away. Most fish I encounter pull the loop out slowly. Some don't pull, they just suck it in and all you feel is a little tension. Like you are hung up on a rock or something. The exception for me is the one that ripps it away. If that were the case, then yes, no need to set the hook. If you fish with me, and I get a grab when the loop is pulled out, you will see and hear my rod rip through the air to drive the hook home. Just ask Mike or Brad.

[sothereiwas]

i dont hook set either, just pull the rod slowly toward the bank once line is leaving the reel.