Lots of discussing on how to set a hook, the best method is go fishing and practice until you are confident with your technique.

However if you want to have visual proof how to test your technique at home try this simple method.

Use a pine 2 x 4 plank about 4' long, weighs about 6 lbs. Lay the plank on the ground, grass, snow length wise and stick the hook point into the opposite end of the plank so it's stays, about 1/32" to 1/16" deep. Put the reel in free spool and walk a average casting distance away from the opposite end of the plank, 60' to 75'. Slowly reel up your slack line and set the hook the instant you feel the line tighten, using your normal hook set technique. The hook point should penetrate into the wood up to or near the point barb depending on the hardness of the hardness of the wood, the plank should not fly back at you or your line shouldn't break or hook pull out.

You may discover your hook setting technique doesn't drive the hook into the wood, therefor doesn't penetrate a basses mouth tissue.

This will test you, your rod, line, knot and hook sharpness.

Tom

Not bad!

Can I add something?

Not every pine 2x4 is the same hardness, the closier together the grain is the harder it will be even to drive a nail in it with a hammer! If y'all try this pick a board with the grain running far apart

tried it.  successfully landed the board after an epic battle.  released after pics since i couldn't figure out how to fillet the thing.

tried it.  successfully landed the board after an epic battle.  released after pics since i couldn't figure out how to fillet the thing.

It's already a fillet.

Tom

Just use the plank to cook your carp or drum on..

As they say... Throw the fish away & eat the wood. Yummy!!!

tried it.  successfully landed the board after an epic battle.  released after pics since i couldn't figure out how to fillet the thing.

 

i bet it's a 2x6 and 6 feet long next time you catch it 

tried it. successfully landed the board after an epic battle. released after pics since i couldn't figure out how to fillet the thing.

Thank you . You made my day. By the way pics or it never happened lol