I went on another road trip this last weekend with a woman friend, and there were ponds available.

I believe I picked the correct time of day to start, and the bites were happening.

My problem:

I had several bites, one after another, but only landed "1 bass."
I was using the reliable wacky-worm setup, but perhaps I'm using the wrong hook.

At first I used a "bait holder hook," then I switched to a "circle or Kahkle" type.
Are these two types wrong, or is there even such a thing for a wacky rig?

Also, I admit, I clearly do not know when to consistently "yank to set the hook."
Am I going to soon, not fast enough? I don't know!

Tips or videos links to help? Thanks/IN65

Addendum: I know for a fact that I simply don't fish enough to "learn" better techniques, but I hope to this summer.

...------

I've always used a weedless octopus hook, like shown in the picture above. Always did well with them.

I've always appreciated this guys advice.

I’ve never fished a wacky rig. I use a version of the second hook (worm) but thread the soft plastic on it so it’s weed less. A lot of snot grass and weeds where I fish

What is the best hook to use for wacky worming?

We recommend using a 1/0 red Octopus style hook when fishing the most popular 5” size stick bait. The 1/0 hook size is perfect for securing enough worm without exposing too much of the hooks shaft. The Octopus style has a short shank with a wide gap, so you can get a good hook set on a quick strike.

Kahle - only one K in that word.

Usually if you are getting bites but not landing it, at least when it comes to ponds, you're being trolled by a turtle.

And/or bluegill. I’ve set the hook on a ghost fish more then I care to remember

I forgot about those. We don't have any in our ponds anymore...or at least none that I have seen/caught. We had a ton when I was a kid, though.

None of those hooks.

Use this.

There were lots of bullfrogs in this pond, lots!

I still think the bites were from bass, but since I did not land but one, I don't really know.

The bites were there, but not the success.

I'll keep trying.

...!

Regarding when to set the hook, fish don't have hands so if you feel one hit your bait it means he has it in his mouth. Underwater cameras show that bass suck in food all at once. They don't start at the bottom of a worm or other prey and nibble their way up.

I set the hook at the first tick, thump, whatever you want to call it.

I use a lot of these when I want weightless or near weightless presentations along with an "O" ring. For a little added weight to fall nose first (or tail first) I carry stripped #12 copper wire and just cut to effect and shove into the bait.

Oh they're Gamakatsu's Weedless Finesse Wide Gap Hook

Remember bass start life small, that might be what's hitting it too. Ever get a 3" bass on a 3" jerkbait?

Thanks for the responses.

Photos of a setup is/are cool.

I'll be back at it soon!

...!