I used to rely on them almost all the time. But now I only turn them on when I'm fishing by myself and use them on the front or back half of the boat if I'm fishing lots of rods. it buys me some time to run to the other end of the boat. But I agree, when fishing the circle hooks you don't rely on them nearly as much anymore as they will hook themselves with the tension of the rod holders.

I'm a tight line guy. Love the circle hooks. I only use clickers when fishing for alligator gar cause they need time to run or also when a pole is a good distance away from me on the bank

I use them when fishing by myself at night, but I do not use them the way I use to. I use to turn clicker on and then free spool. Now I turn clicker on and set the drag about 3/4's of what I usually have it at. This way I can sleep and if a good fish gets on it will SING!!!

Don't currently use them, but planning to make mods to my Garcia Mitchell 5000 and 5500s to add clickers. Everything I've read says it helps increase hookups.

Probably more a matter of personal preference and I wonder with the use of circle hooks if clickers defeat the purpose somewhat. Be interesting to see others weigh in on this.

I use them night fishing or while bank fishing if my poles are spaced far apart and I can hear them. Other wise if the wind is really blowing no need.

I do like to set the drag alittle tighter and lock the spool. Using circle hooks helps while doing this. Hooks the fish and lets you know he is there.

I dont use them while drifting unless I have an issue and am not watching the poles.

Just some info. For the record, the bait clicker is usually a spring-like flexible piece of metal that clicks up against the sprocket gear. For the most part, people freak out and need to disengage the bait clicker when a fish is on, due to the fact that they believe they will damage the bait clicker. Yes, eventually over the years, you MAY wear down the sprocket gear, but it's not going to hurt anything if you leave it engaged while fighting a fish. Most of the time, it's just annoying to have on. My point? Don't risk losing "The Big One" by taking time to disengage the bait clicker while fighting a fish. If you are that worried about it, send me your reel and I'll replace your bait clicker when it runs out.
The perks of using a bait clicker while you have the reel disengaged is the fact that it adds a bit of resistance when the fish takes off with your bait. That can come in handy when you are using circle hooks because it helps to set the hook. Personally, if I can use the clicker, I do. I just LOVE to hear that clicker sing when I have a fish on. It's all about your personal preference and your own experience. Do what is most productive for you!
Steven

so what is the propper way to use the bait clicker? do you turn it on and close the reel or leave the spool open so the fish can run...if you understand what i mean? I fish alot at night and this would help me alot.

It varies there is no right way to do it, However works best for you will be the most productive

Some leave the spool to free wheel allowing the fish to feel less resistance, and some lock the spool but loosen the drag. If you try the locking the spool method you need to be comfortable adjusting the drag while fighting a fish. I've done both and i lock the spool and loosen the drag when targeting BIG cats with circle hooks. Any other time I'm free wheeling. Just my preference. Hope this helps

I use the Bait Runner spinning reels so the fish can run with the bait but my standard Ambassaduer 6500 and 7000's rarely get their bait clickers used.

BTW if anyone is interested, here's a way to convert the Abu Ambassadeur 5000 series non-clicker to a clicker. If you're handy with a Dremel, not a difficult conversion:

Ambassadeur 5000 Bait Clicker Conversion