Recently had problems keeping hooked up so I stopped to analyze what the problem was.  I saw a pattern of losing fish when they came to the surface.  At first I assume a poor hookset so I tightened my drag and set the hook several times to no avail.  I thought about it overnight and realized I was horsing the fish and losing them on the jump so next day I  just set the hook, controlled the fish without forcing it, and kept them from clearing the water.  Much better results and just in time.  My first fish was the fish of the trip at 6lbs 4oz.  

This will seem very basic to many of you but I'm pretty new at bassing and was real happy not just to land the fish but to analyze the situation and make the necessary changes.  

Always keep your line tight and try to never let the fish come out of the water. Most of the time when the fish comes out of the water the shaking of his head will loosen the hook and it will come out with the slack given when his head comes toward you.

I think a lot of us, when we are fun fishing, just hook em and get em to the boat asap especially when you're catching a bunch.  Then when it is tournament time or you get ahold of a good one, we have to make an effort NOT to horse em or get em to the boat quickly.  I know I am very guilty of this.  When I hook a good one or are in a tournament, I try to take a deep breath, ala shooting a free throw, then relax as I get her to the boat just keeping steady pressure.

My Dad taught me that when you see them start to the surface to jump, put the pole in the water. It shortens up free line between the fish and the water and keeps them from shaking loose.

Always keep your line tight and try to never let the fish come out of the water. Most of the time when the fish comes out of the water the shaking of his head will loosen the hook and it will come out with the slack given when his head comes toward you.

Very true,

but ain't it cool when they jump?

Shoot, jumpin' bass is half the fun. But if you don't want them to jump, forcefully PULL (NOT jerk) them towards as they are about to break the surface. This will (usually) cause a bass to roll. With single hooks I rarely lose a fish once it's hooked.; treble hooks are another story, sometimes it "just happens!"

One more suggestion: Make sure your hooks are sharp and NEVER double-set your hook. You are far more likely to dislodge the hook rather than improving the set.

Great advice by everyone! I was having a similar problem yesterday. Early into our trip it seemed like the bass were just moving the bait, not trying to eat it. A few fish weren't hooked, they were just holding on it seems! ;D ;D ;D

Heads UP!

Matt 5.0

Now either that's horsen or that's a superbass. ;D ;D

Yesterday was strange. The bass were hitting the bait on the "lift" not on the "fall". I would raise the rod tip to move the bait and it would feel like weeds. Didn't have a chance to reel down and then set the hook. Still a great day regardless of the 6 that got away I'll catch them this weekend!  8-)

Most times doing all that junk to stop the jump is worse than just controlling the jump. Theres a point between pulling the fish towards you and slack line thats were you need to be when the fish is in the air. That drop your rod and stick in the water makes good T.V. but it's junk.

Garnet

Tucson,

I understand where you're coming from.  Bass fishing is not easy to figure out but when you are presented with a situation and you make the right adjustment, it gets you excited.  That's when you know really know, you're getting it!

That drop your rod and stick in the water makes good T.V. but it's junk.

Garnet

One man's junk is another man's treasure. I've never seen this on TV but have used it successfully for 40 years. Would hate to think I've been doing something wrong for that long. ;D

You know you have all that stuff in your head, what you are supposed to do when this or that happens, practice, practice, practice, keep the line tight, rod tip down, but when that 4lb bass jumped on me wed, night in our tournament I just watched!!!! He came out of the water about 2' shaking his head, not 1 time but 2 times, I just watched!!! Mother Nature sure gives us some pretty sites and that is one of the best. I am 61 and have fished most of my life on and off and have a lot of control over my self but when a nice bass breaks water I am putty in their gills. Good thing I dont have to rely on a income Bass Fishing, I would go home Hungry.

Matt 5.0 very cool video clip. Funny.

I gotta hand it to guys like you, LBH, edbasser etc. who are skilled with the video equipment.

I know my photo skills are legendary but you guys deserve some credit to   :

Thanks Avid! I think it would be funny to have a bloopers video if Russ can get enough footage!  ;D

Most times doing all that junk to stop the jump is worse than just controlling the jump. Theres a point between pulling the fish towards you and slack line thats were you need to be when the fish is in the air. That drop your rod and stick in the water makes good T.V. but it's junk.

Garnet

Negative Ghost Rider.  I have never lost a fish using that technique and its definitely not best to let em' jump.  On a side note, don't you wonder what makes a fish think to jump when it gets hooked?  If something sharp and metal gets shoved through my lip and starts pulling on me the last thing I am going to think is "OK I need to run as fast as I can and jump REALLY high while shaking my head"