Fixing a Weak Hookset

On 6/21/2021 at 11:01 PM, Buzzbaiter said:

Today it was a Medium-Fast action spinning rod with 25lb braid mainline to a 6 foot long 8lb mono leader. The hook I was using was a standard Gamakatsu EWG, but I also use Eagle Claw heavy wire EWG hooks and experience the same issues. I use this setup for Texas rigging weightless stickbaits

Standard Wire EWG should be fine on that rod, I tend to use a 3/0 gamakatsu standard for 5" stickbaits on my ML spinning rod. Definitely try using a fluoro leader rather than Mono.  Most importantly make sure you reel down and have a tight line before swinging. I try to remember that of course a hard hookset is good but the distance your rod swings and speed during the hookset are what help take up any minimal stretch/slack and drive the hook. This is why a longer rod will be able to set the hook better since it moves more line on the swing. 

I would also avoid the heavy wire hook, and make sure to keep pressure on the fish once you set the hook.  If you feel like the hooks are possibly penetrating but popping free I would loosen your drag slightly and this may help also.