Every time I go jug fishing it seems like I have at least one or two fish that get hooked but then get off. I can tell because the leader is all slimed up. Is there a type of hook that would help prevent this or is it just something you need to live with? I only leave my jugs for an hour or so before I check them, so they bite and then get off pretty quick.

Thanks,
Greg

Sharpen up the hooks, make sure there isn't any scales stuck on the point to keep the hook from setting in the mouth. You may want to go up in size of hook or go smaller depending on what you are useing for bait.

check your jugs more often. This is the leading cause of loosing fish. A catfish will twist and twist and twist till it is free.

A three way swivel works good.try a shorter stagent and some people like circle hooks. I prefer a 7/O Tru Turn S.S. hook.

You can expect to have one or two get off from time to time. More than likely they were dinks that didnt get hooked good and it took them a little bit to shake loose. Also, a blue cat will try to kill his meal before he eats it and they do this by swating at the bait with their tail. Thus the reason you will sometimes catch one by the tail or other pats of his body other than the mouth. Like I said, dont worry or loose sleep over one or two getting off during an outing of jug fishing. The points these other guys make are very good advice also and should be practiced on a regular basis.

We use size 12 circle hooks and we dont have a problem with them getting off but we cant really get the smaller cats on the big hooks only downfall.