I pitched a Fat Ika at the edge of some downed timber. I gave it slack to let it slip away from me.  I picked it up, and gave it slack again.  What happened next is unclear.  I felt that buzz and tug of a fish, but my very lame hookset resulted in watching a fantastic bass spit Ms. Ika. 
 

I realized I need practice.  It’s something I want to explore. It was cool to see the bait drift away from me.  Cool. 

For advice - When you feel that buzz and tug of a fish, set the hook. Hard. Otherwise it sounds like you got it. 

Strong enough rod?

ewg hook?

I make a cast/pitch and let it bottom and sit for a bit. Then 2 or 3 sharp pops (rod goes from 8 to 11 o'clock). Then drop again.  The pops are like how a crayfish moves.  I repeat until back to the boat.