I am new to fishing for buffalos and I was wandering if any of y'all know some tips and tricks for catching them. We've caught a few but they always clean us off. We see the bites a set the hook but our bait comes back to us every time!!! Thanks!

Try not setting so hard. Your probally pulling the hook. Look up hair rigs and give them a try.

Should I use boilees(if so how big) or corn? Also I have had them eat the bait and hook themselves but when I start to play them the hook comes out, even if I do put alot of pressure or a little pressure. So I am clueless.

Use smaller Forged hooks. Size 6 or so.

People have told me to use octopus circle hooks. Do those work? And do they work for hair rigs?

If you're setting the hook with circles that's your problem, circle hooks work in a way that all you have to do is let the fish have it and start reeling slowly, They will not work for hair rigs because of this, it completely takes away the bolt effect of a bolt rig.

I'd use a small size 4 or smaller hook and fish hair rigs with a semi fixed lead system. that'll put a lot more fish on the bank.

You can set the hook hard on regular hooks. There mouths are tough compared to carp. That's why I hate circle hooks.

Ok thanks guys!!!!! It really helped.

Where are you fishing for buffs?

I think a lot of it is a preference thing but I prefer to leave some slack in my line when fishing for buffs. It allows me to watch the line which helps me to really visualize what the fish is doing with the bait down there. Plus you don't have to worry as much about the fish feeling pressure and spooking.

Of cours this only really works when it's not too windy.

I am very familar with what you are experiencing. It took me almost two months to catch my first buffalo, and I was fishing at least twice a week. Listen to the tips you get from people on here. Just to list a few of the things I was doing wrong. First I was using a hook that was to large, then I discovered I should have have been using a bait about the size of a green grape or slightly smaller, not one the size ping pong ball. I was getting bites, but didn't realize that the small twitches I was seeing, was the bite. Finally someone suggested to just set the hook, and count on more misses than hook ups. Once I did that, I eventually caught a carp and two buffalo in one trip to the Lewisville barge. I also feel like there may be almost a many baits for buffalo as their are buffalo fisherman. My favorite is white bread without the crust and strawberry jello, just mashed together.(thanks Clifton) If if it strarts to crumble, just add a little water. Several of the other baits I tried were good, and got bites. Keep it up. I got frustrated attempting to catch my first one, but also had a lot of fun. Now I am hooked. Keep asking questions. The great folks on here answered at least two or three questions for me every time I posted. Just be careful this can be addictive.

K thanks for the advise and your right I was using to big of hooks and I knew the little twitches were the bites but never set them because I thought I should wait for the big one. Thank you all for the help and hope fully next time I go fishing I will catch one.

What hooks do you guys use for buffs?

Most of us fish with a more euro style with hair rigs, so we use special order expensive brands like Korda, Nash, etc. Real small, very very heavy wire, and very very sharp.

Order a value pack of owner flyliner size 6 hooks from cabelas and do the in-store pick-up(free shipping).

It's $20 for 52 hooks. They will last you a long time and they are perfect for carp and buffalo fishing using a hair rig.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.j...T.mc_id=crrdtfd