Two things happened to me on Sunday that never happened before.

 

First, I lost what had to be at least a solid 4 pounder, when my knot broke. I've never actually lost a fish from a broken knot before. I knew it would happen someday, and it's been a good run.

 

Second, I was casting a wacky rig and my senko flew off and my hook hit the water and I side hooked a rock bass. I'm not sure if the hook flew right into the fish in the water or what, but it was pretty quick after my cast tanked out and I had a horrible birds nest. I've seen a young girl catch fish on nothing but a red hook so I know it's possible but that's a first for me.

If fish are actively feeding You can actually catch a few on almost anything.  Took my two young grandkids fishing and they actually caught a rock bass on a small circle hook, and a small piece of strawberry.  It was their idea and the five year old thought she was ready to join the pro circuit!  They also caught some on coco puffs, and canned corn, after chumming the waters a little.  Somedays are just crazy.

 

As for losing fish, make sure your line is good, then use thin wire quality hooks.  They will catch big bass without problem unless your throwing in thick gnarly cover.

9 hours ago, geo g said:

As for losing fish, make sure your line is good, then use thin wire quality hooks.  They will catch big bass without problem unless your throwing in thick gnarly cover.

Yeah, I was using a fairly light wire hook. That's what I use for wacky rigs, and 12# fluorocarbon on casting gear. I plan to pick up some even lighter wire hooks, and then I could use my medium spinning rod.

 

I did break off on a rock before hand, and I'm fairly sure I did not cut off enough line

On 5/4/2022 at 8:59 AM, Boomstick said:

Yeah, I was using a fairly light wire hook. That's what I use for wacky rigs, and 12# fluorocarbon on casting gear. I plan to pick up some even lighter wire hooks, and then I could use my medium spinning rod.

 

I did break off on a rock before hand, and I'm fairly sure I did not cut off enough line

 

When catching bass in rocky limestone areas it is a must to check your line way up from the hook.  If I feel any nicks, or rough spots, cut it all out.  Very common in my man made lakes that surround the neighborhood where I live.  Fish love limestone walls and hug them for cooler summer waters, and the same for warmer winter waters.  At the base of these rock walls there is water from the aquifer seeping in at a constant 72* all year long, even in the hottest day, or the coolest winter day.  Florida bass seek these out, they are very sensitive to extreme changes.  Keep fishing rock drop-offs!

1 minute ago, geo g said:

When catching bass in rocky limestone areas it is a must to check your line way up from the hook.  If I feel any nicks, or rough spots, cut it all out.  Very common in my man made lakes that surround the neighborhood where I live.  Fish love limestone walls and hug them for cooler summer waters, and the same for warmer winter waters.  At the base of these rock walls there is water from the aquifer seeping in at a constant 72* all year long, even in the hottest day, or the coolest winter day.  Florida bass seek these out, they are very sensitive to extreme changes.  Keep fishing rock drop-offs!

I may try a drop shot with a short leader next time. The drop shot weight will comes through the same rocks.