Many fly fishers rely on only one hook-setting method, yet most fish species feed in different ways depending upon their distance from the prospective meal and the size and species of their prey. Most long-rodders use the “lift-set” method, which requires the angler to lift the rod-tip as they simultaneously use their line hand to pull the line downward. This hookset causes the hook’s point to be raised toward the roof of the fish’s mouth even as it’s pulled toward the rod. If the fish are feeding by rapidly exhaling water through their gills, it causes the food to be sucked deeply into their mouths. In that case, the lift-set method is successful a high percentage of the time. Often, however, fish will hesitate closely behind the morsel to inspect it. If they decide to eat, the take will be exceptionally light. In this instance, a lift-set pulls the hook out of the fish’s mouth before it’s able to make contact. If missed hook sets occur, it should be taken as an indication that the “strip-set” method is necessary. To execute the strip-set, simply point the rod tip at the fly, then when the strike occurs, use your line hand to pull the fly directly toward you without moving the rod. Paying attention to how the fish are feeding and adopting the correct hook-set method will improve our fish-hooking percentage and reduce the number of those frustrating missed strikes.
Advice About Hook Sets
