For the last 6 weeks or so, we have had a hard time getting fish to hit any artificial lure. Best performer, by far, Old Ugly Slabs.

But, we just aren't finding whites stacked up anywhere. So I decided to try my hand at catching shad about 3 weeks ago.
First mission, learn to throw a six foot net. Next mission, learn to find shad on the depth finder. I've thrown a small net since I was a kid, but the 6 footer took a bit of practice. Learned to do it well enough the first day after 10-12 casts. Check 1.

Checked my depth finder for shad, or what I always assumed was bait when I would see it on the side imaging. A few casts later, shad in the bucket! Check 2. (It really was bait on the SI that I had been seeing.. nice to know that for sure.)

So the live bait adventure began.

In three weekends we've caught a lot of fish. The biggest was a 5.25lb black bass.

But,I've missed 2 other big fish.

After losing those two, the first to broken 10Lb test and the second to a bad knot, I changed my setup and went heavy duty.

I spooled up 50lb braid on my bait-cast reel added a 1/2 oz egg sinker, swivel, 20lb fluorocarbon leader, and a 2/0 Mustad hook. I also learned a new knot from a respected fishing buddy.

On Sunday I hooked a 2.5 inch gizzard shad on my hook and set it on the bottom. Within minutes a fish grabbed my bait and the fight was on. I stood up, pointed my pole at the fish, and tried to give him plenty of room to run. I didn't think there was a fish big enough to pull line from the drag on my "new" setup, but it sure did!

About 30 seconds into the fight............ something felt like it slipped and my fish... was gone.

Pulled my rig in and immediately noticed the problem.It straightened my hook.

Blah... the best laid plans.. and my hook fails.

I like the Mustad hooks because they are super sharp. But.. also weak.

So I was hoping for some hook recommendations. Size, brand, etc.

I would appreciate it!

Dave

I like Mustad hooks as well because they are thin wired and light which allows the bait to swim easier. With that said they are weaker. Keeping the drag loose helps.

Back that drag off to about 1/4- 1/3 line break strength. Check it wit a spring scale. That may help with the hook sstraightening.

Unless you're catfishing, I suggest to lighten up on that leader and back off the drag some.

Thanks for the input guys.

I'll work with my drag settings.