Just wanting to get others thoughts on the hook set. I basically have three hook sets, sweeping motion for hard baits, tight line and lift for drop shot and lean into it tighten the line and violently try and rip there lips off for plastics, not saying it right that's just the way my dad taught me. My partner pretty much sweep hooks every thing, I've seen him lose fish if he doesn't keep constant pressure on the fish. I'm not saying I don't lose fish my way but was just wondering what you experienced guys philosophy is when it comes to setting the hook.

+1 I completely agree with you

I often do the drop step and try and break my rod on plastics

My drop shot is the same as you. but everything else i take my foot off the trolling motor and try and rip their jaw off

well besides crank, i usually just give it a short side jerk and reel like hell

Good discussion here:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/10773306/1

Rocket propelled Bass lol

Set it hard and leave no doubt.

Depends on rod, line type, & how much line I have out, but try to err on the side of crossing their eyes!!

Hook sets are free! Rip it like you are on camera every time and have a huge one on the line!

i rip there face!

ive noticed with todays sharp hooks, especially the heavy wire with flat sides to a point, it doesnt take as much to get a good hook set. for me, when I over do it I actually lose more fish because alot of todays hooks make a big hole. they are so sharp they dont take as much. this is what works me at least.
also, Im not saying dont set the hook, I just dont set it like I used to. and I dont wear pink either.

I'm a firm believer in a "good hook set", but I think people watch too many fishing shows.....The exaggerated OVER BEARING, MONSTER, SUPER-DUPER, SPEED OF LIGHT, BREAK YOUR WRIST, CROSS THEIR EYES MANLY hook-set is over emphasized. I think some people set in the wrong direction too, and actually help rip, or pull away from the fish. It can be different for different types of baits too............I once read a booked called "FISHERMAN'S GUIDE TO LIFE". The book is full of meaningful axioms, and "points" that relate "real life" and use fishing to get their "point" across. One of the things I remembered in the book was the following, "No matter how good a man gets at fishing, he will NEVER land every fish he hooks".

All this talk of hook sets is getting me fired up, at the rate it is raining, maybe I'll attach my line to my 100 lb golden's collar and throw a ball to see if I can turn her.

Only lure i really pay attention to hooksets is when using a jig. I have noticed a side-sweep hero style hookset works best due to a jig's weight and weed guard, especially jigs with the bristle style guard. All others I pretty much do just an ordinary firm hookset. Cranks I usually just pull back since the fish I hook tend to hook themselves. Topwater can be tricky sometimes, lost some fish due to an awry hookset and have boated some good ones but really the jig is the only lure I pay attention to detail to.