Initial hookset is key. Solid first hookset, even with crankbaits, then steady pressure. Keeping control of their head and keeping them down if possible. Getting them in the boat or kayak as fast as reasonably possible. You can play the ones under 6lb with drag adjustments especially when they make their final surges close to the boat/kayak. But the big girls need to get in the boat ASAP before they dive and wrap you around something. Having a net ready helps save your hands from treble hooks when they are still green and full of energy.

After reading one of Roland Martin’s books, I tried double hook setting and didn’t like it. Maybe this worked better with the hooks from the 70s.

I totally agree...I tried to sharpen my hooks but now I just buy new ones and keep them in a box.

It’s crazy how sharp a hook has to be to actually penetrate a fishes mouth...

I like to get them in the boat before they’re hooked. I don’t finesse fish. I did have a 31/2 pound jig fish this morning on Leon catch air several times but I was fun fishing, I wven Biil Danced him next to the boat until he was worn out.

Hooks & line. Everyone used mono in the 70's. Stren or Berkley Trilene. Both stretched like a rubber band compared to fluorocarbon. Braid came into play in the mid-80's and really changed the game.

I agree with Donald 100% I get more big fish in the boat than anyone I have fished with. Biggest line practical, stout rods, unrelenting pressure. I've skied 10 pounders over mesquite bushes. Once they're in the boat we can all play with them, until then maximum warp. One other thing, heavy mono will put more big fish in the boat than either braid or Flouro. Stretch is your friend when fighting a fish.

Just goes to show there are different ideas on how to keep a high flying fish from spitting your bait. I have tried these all with some success and some heartbreaking conclusions. I suppose each fish and rig ( whether worm, CB, sb, cr, tw, ) is different....

Very true. Experience and the freshness of your line and hooks are significant factors.

Reel them to the boat and then Bill Dance them back and forth for the camera a few minutes...I love that guy!

I don't know. For the short time I club tournament fished I found the Rattle Trap was the worst bait of all for this. I imagined ways to improve the bait which included a crazy idea of connecting the rear hook to the bait with a small cable to dampen the movement. It seems the weight of that bait jerking on that rear hook and bass's incredible desire to flail about to get rid of it caused at times more than a 50% fail to land the fish. Crank baits are likely similar. I loved fishing a lipless crank like the RT at the right time of the year, but I sure lost a bunch of fish.

I think they may be onto something with this new hook.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sav...mB59VNlTqUnTQ4Wcz6Yl4Q8jW9UaAtVuEALw_wcB

Hmmm.
Those might work!

Yep

Very interesting for sure

Those look awesome. Should work great for 10XDs and treble hooked swimbaits.

Funny timing..I had two jump off a swimjig the other day.. Annoyed me to no end as both jumped and spit me out looking at me drinking a cocktail smoking a cig with a middle fin pointed at meh!..

One about 4 and one about 6.. Best advice you already got. Stick your rod down, sharpen the hooks..

Swimjigs are movers.. Usually the fish where im fishing pound it and penetrate themselves.. Not the other day...Anyway
I thought maybe I had cut the hook guard down too much...

The truth, mean fish that know jumping works. LOL..