Hello all!

Since bass opened the last week or so, I have lost a few key fish while fishing a toad. Of all of these, I am having a hard time explaining why these fish are coming unbuttoned after a big hookset and feeling the full weight of the fish. Usually I get about 5-10 cranks with the fish on, and they somehow just pop off

I am completely baffled by this, because I don't remember such an awful hook to landing ratio as this year. I just can't seem to explain this.

 

I've been using an Owner CPS XXX Twistlock in 5/0

Rods used:

Dobyns DX795 Flip

Kistler Z-bone 7'3 5Power.

 

Is it that the rods I am using are too powerful for the job? Do I need an even slower rod for toads?

Which wire? Owner makes the light strong shank and a heavier wire shank, what does you're hook look like after a strike? Just curious I suppose you are using braid, it maybe you need a stronger hook although I use these hooks a lot , just not with braid, the Zo maybe a better choice

Using the XXX strong version. I own the zo-wire as well, but I find the close to straight shank configuration of the zo-wire a hinderance to horny toads, or sizmic toads with the hook slot.

Sometimes they just come off... what toad were you using. Maybe the hook isn't far back enough in the toad to catch more than the fishes lip.

Wow, yea you're well armed... I know these hooks have a downward bend to them... I really haven't had a issue with that.... But not using them on those type baits.... I would want a more open hook point... Than the owner for that hi speed froggin method... There are dual hook options too.. Guys are bending those hooks up opening the bite up... Just looking at my owner 6/0 beast hooks... That's a wide open hook....

Have you seen these? Might be worth a try. Made by Owner.

Yea , Dwight that's the ones!

I'm very surprised to hear of your troubles, I use the exact same hook for all of my toad fishing and I've never had any trouble hooking and landing fish. I use 50 to 65# braid on my regular frog rod (Powell Max 735) so I don't think your equipment is to blame. About the only thing I can think of is to try and set your drag so that it slips just a little on hook set to try and avoid tearing their mouth. Other than that I guess I'd just have to go along with the guy that said sometimes they just come off.  

I don't ever remember a 2/10 kind of hookup ratio in the years past! It was like even the 2# fish were difficult to land this year.

But, War Eagle, I do remember the times back when I used it, I was using an old daiwa that had a drag that slipped about an inch as you set the hook. Let me try that drag configuration the next time I get out.

 

If I do find that double hook in a store one of these days Dwight, I will get it 100%. With that hook I would give feel completely ok using the 795 again. I know I like that 795 for hollow bodies.

Good luck let us know how it goes!

I have the same problem, not with a certain lure but a certain reel. It's a Abu Garcia Revo SX which has a 6:4:1 gear ratio. I love the reel but I've never lost so many fish using a certain reel. I even started a thread on it. People told me what a lot of my other problems were so I figure they were right and it was errors on my part (probably still is). I was using a KVD Sexy Dawg and losing a lot of fish. I took the Revo SX off and put a Revo Rocket on. U haven't lost a since and have probably caught about 12 more on the Sexy Dawg.

I then started using a KVD a swimming jig with that new rod set up and haven't lost a fish that has gotten past the 1st crank. Well, I used that same jig today with a different rod and that Revo and lost a nice one. So I'm going to stop using that reel for awhile.

Have you checked the hook sharpness? Even if they're new hooks?