I see there's a lot of reading out there in regards to tackle selection, where and when to fish, which rigs for which fish, but I can't seem to find any real in depth discussions as to how to hook the fish.

One guy says they'll hook themselves, another tells me to set the hook. So I wait for them to hook themselves and they clean my hook. I give the rod a little whip and end up with nothing as well.


I'm just pretty much casting out there trying to get the hang of it right now. I caught two bluegill today my pure luck out of a dozen oppertunities. So yeah, advice?... links to videos?... insults?

Set the hook with any single-hook lure such as a jig or plastic worm. Generally the fish will do the job for you on a moving bait like a crankbait or rattletrap.

What if you're just worm and bobber fishing?

with worm and bobber just put some pressure on it when you start getting a bite. don't yank or you'll rip it out. if you keep missing, downsize your hook.

If you're just fishing with a cork and worm, be patient. Don't try to set the hook every time your cork moves. Let the fish take it under or run with it, and then swiftly lift your rod to set the hook. Don't pull to early or too hard or you will just rip the hook right out. Consider using a smaller hook, because often times the fish playing with your bait are too small to get the hook in their mouths. Just keep fishing and have fun!

When fishing with soft plastics set the hook. Reel in the slack till you feel the pull and sweep upward but not like your goin to pull the fish's lips out. Once you have the rodtip high do NOT drop it or give it more slack. Just wait a sec and let the fish begin to run before reeling it in. Giving the line slack allows the fish to manipulate the hook position in its lip and therefore increases the risk of throwers.
With jigs you want to do a side sweeping hook set cuz on jigs you have to rotate the lure due to the weed guard. With jigs give a HARD but not violent hook set. Again dont give the line slack..keep that rod high. Spinnerbaits also usually do better with side sweeping hooksets.
For cranks and r-traps just reel faster when you feel a fish bite. If you must, only give a small upward jerk on the rod for better sets.
For corks or bobbers just lift up briskly. Dont set the hook like with bass or you'll just yank the hook outta their mouth.

The guy is talking about getting his hooked picked clean. He's obviously not using artificials.

Also, you should probably use a smaller, thinner profile bobber. Can't tell you how many folks I've seen fishing for bluegill and other bream with a small hook, small split shot and HUGE plastic bobber. It's just too much resistance and bream feel it and decide to pick away at the bait instead of take it and run. Balance is the key. Use a small float and enough split shot to barely keep the float above the water.

Wait till it takes it under OR runs with it, or takes it under AND runs with it?
Alot of times I see the bobber go under water and then pop up again, and sometimes the fish runs with it without pulling it under.

And then how far do I lift the rod? Just a few feet or straight up over the head?

When ever the bobber starts moving or going under just slowly move the rod to the side to sweep the bobber towards you. Slowly. That little pressure against them will hook them everytime unless your hook is too big. Do it slow so if you miss you haven't yanked it away and scared them. If they miss they'll keep after it this way.

Use a tiny hook and once you catch the small bluegill, switch to another pole with heavier line and a bigger hook and use the bluegill for bait.

Another thing that will make it easier is don't cast too far. The longer the line, the harder it will be to set the hook. We learned to fish with cane poles. You literally only have to be in 6 inches of water to catch perch. Its easier to see and feel whats going on. Drop your worm right next to a log 1 or 2 feet in the water and you will be surprised what you catch.

+1. The longer the cast, the longer the rod you'll need to get enough slack line out and enough leverage to set the hook. I have a 7'6" rod that I use for some float and fly rigs and it's still not long enough on some longer casts.