I'm just getting back into bass fishing as my son is seven and absolutely loves fishing. I took him out this morning to a local pond (houston national golf course)and we had a blast. We got two bass between the two of us. With that said we also had a lot of misses due to his and my early or just bad setting of the hook. Can anybody give me any advice?

Fishing info:

Time: 7:00 AM (sunrise) to about 10:45 AM
Location: Houston National Golf Course pond
Rigs: Texas Rig with Watermelon/Red 7in worm.
Pond condition: Lots and lots of moss, please see attached photo.

[img]http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3630392&id=701798702[/img]


Thanks in advance,

Richard

Depends a lot on how the fish were hitting it. Try to be patient and make sure they have it, reel down and on a t-rig, I like to hit them at about between the 1 to 2 o'clock position.

You were probably just setting the hook too early. I point my rod at them and reel in slack, when I first get a bite. I then in many cases slowly left up to make sure they have it, and then set strait up. You are always going to have some misses, but this is the basic idea. Some days though, you have to set as soon as you feel the first tap, because the second tap is them spitting it out. So, start one way, and adjust if needed, if you are missing fish.

If bank fishing, point rod at the fish,let line get taught,and then sweep the rod up to 11 o`clock position very HARD.

As you began the upward sweep of the rod,step backwards about 5 feet at the same time.

This will cross the fish`s eyes,........dis orient him,........ and have him ready for some hot grease in no time. ! !

How big were they? Might need to downsize your bait to 4 or 6" or try upsizing your hook. Ewg's always seem to stick em for me

What rod length,rod power,rod action,line,and gear ratio reel are you using?

+1 that could have alot to do with it the action of the rod?

I think it was ole Klein that said 3 tap rule.
1st tap is the fish ptting it in his mouth
2nd tap is the fish spitting it out.
3rd tap is me taping you on the shoulder asking you why you did no set the hook.


In all serisousness the advice already given covers it great. check the action of he rod as well.

Yeah, that's such a tough thing -- it's all about instinct -- having a tough time teaching my wife.

If they smack-it it's a no-brainer, smack them back. But with soft bites I usually try and get a feel of some weight before I set it. A lot of times I'll get a little tap and let it sit, then they'll tell me it's time. I'm sure I miss some fish but I prefer to feel the rod loading a bit.

Hey guys first off thanks to everyone that has replied.

Here is the info on my gear.
Pole: bass pro shop microlite 7ft, power:medium lite,�action: fast,�Line 4-10 lbs,�Lure weight: 1/16-3/8oz�

Reel: �pflueger trion gx-7

Line: p-line floroclear 10lb test fluorocarbon coated

Worms: super finesse worm watermellon red �




�

You might want to try a heavier rod. With that set-up I would think you need to really smack-em. I'm no expert with that kind of tackle though.

you probably already know a premium hook with a super sharp needle point is pretty much mandetory. You want to make sure the your hook isn't buried too deep in the plastic bait too push it all the way through and just skin hook it make weedless. good luck!

If your not trying to cross his eyes each time, then your not setting it hard enough.

O.K. You need a medium heavy power rod for worm fishing. Go up to 15 lb. fluroclear. Try a 2/0 Owner Wide Gap Plus hook. Generally,as soon as you detect the bite,drop the rod toward the fish to about 8 o'clock,take up the line slack and yank the rod straight up toward 12 o'clock as hard as you can. Simultaneous with the yank; crank the fish toward you as fast as you can. Takes a litte practice to get it coordinated but you can do it. Good luck.

I've always liked that ols saying...'Fish don't have hands'...if you think you got a bite swings are free...set the hook!