i had my first tournament like two weeks ago and don't know why i waited this long to post, but i was using a $60 pinnacle combo from academy. we were fishing stumps, and the bass were hitting very light you had to feel it on your line. i would actully feel something that felt like a bite, but i didn't set the hook cause i thought it was a log or something. so i guess the question is should i have set the hook anyway cause it could've been a fish or what. cause i was using the exact same thing they guy i was fishing with was he was catching quite a few. i used one of his rods and it was way more sensitive and lighter.. should i get a more sensitive rod?

What line were you using?

Just remember that hook-sets are free! and yes a lighter set up will definitely help!

Hooksets are free, missed bites often cost u money!

Like I tell my clients, when in doubt set the hook!

just some stren super knot. ok i wil go with that when i doubt set the hook

I have the same problem sometimes but like a guy told me WHEN IN DOUBT RIP IT OUT!!!

fished with lots of folks who tell me "i thought i had a bite, but i wasnt sure" ... "why didnt you set the hook?"

dont be afraid of phantom hook sets... sometimes theere will be a fish there.. And dont be afraid of losing hooks to brush, not in a tourny...

invest money in rods, you can get away with a cheaper reel but a sensitive rod makes a BIG difference..

You don't need expensive stuff if you will use tungsten weights and and good floro line.It will help you feel a lot of bites.

Go with ur gut man, hook sets are always free. If you get hung up or something like that, thats how fishing go.

Lighter more sensitive rods will help you feel more bites. But, If you can't afford higher price rods (or even if you can) you need to look into balancing your rod reel combo. I think a balanced cheaper rod is more of an advantage than a rod that is twice the price.

If in doubt pull the trigger. If there is a fish on the end of your line, file that in your brain what it felt like before you fired. If it sticks a log, rock, stump, etc. throw that file to the trash. If you don't pull the trigger on maybes, you'll not learn the different ways a fish bites. They don't always bite the same. For example if you feel mush and there is no grass in the area cross their eyes.

thanks guys this is really helpful. i am going to buy a vengance rod soon that ought to help me out

Like Cody said, hook sets are free. It will come with time on the water. Become a line watcher. I can�t tell you how many times I would look off and look back and my line was moving. Pay attention to how heavy your bait is. If the bait gets a heavy or mushy feeling to it. SET THE HOOK!!!

I agree ,the more expensive stuff is nice but dont go broke buying it.Use some good floro and tungstens and you will be fine.

You'll go broke buy tungsten and good flouro

Yeah cause Tungsten is so cheap.