fishing a small pond today.  five inch senkos on 3/0 gammy EWG.  on three separate occasions, i had a fish on, put what i thought was a decent hook set.  got the fish mostly to me only to have it let go.  all three fish had merely been holding the bait in their mouths.  and all three times the worm came out and back to me rigged perfectly straight T-rig just like a set it up.

how is that possible?  it was like i hadn't set at all.  and on the third one (i'm a slow learner) i really thought i put some power into the set.  but no dice.  anybody ever had that happen?

oh and i don't know the technical stuff about my set up other than a fairly cheap spinnng reel and a 7 foot rod that feels pretty limber at the tip, if that helps anyone.  i usually worm fish with a baitcaster and that rod is considerable firmer, for lack of a better word.

A limber tip = a slow tip, which is no good when you're trying to get a good, firm hookset. A fast, or extra-fast tip will help you get a better hookset. Your baitcast setup sounds better suited for plastics.

The line could also be a culprit. Mono stretches some on the hookset, and if you're fishing in heavy grass, that vegitation will make it even harder to set the hook. Braid is better in grass.

Finally, as always, drop the tip, reel in the slack, and set the hook with a snap of your wrist.

Good luck!

Usually when I'm fishin a T-rig, I'll let the bass hit it and give them some room to run... let out line or whatever, sometimes it takes like 30 full seconds before they do ANYTHING... I find the bigger bass will take that bait more tentatively and usually the first tap is just the end of the worm. Once they grab hold of it and run I nail em.

I've also had bass pick it up and swim towards me when I give up. Then all the sudden about 5-10 ft from the boat/bank they try to run.

Course, I ain't the best bass fisherman out there so my words are cheap.

VR

Keeping in mind what the other posters said, especially about the limber tip being too flimsy to get a good set, I would try 2 things.

1: Go to a bigger hook like 4/0 or even 5/0.

2:  I'd switch to floroucarbon line.  Mono does stretch a bit especially trying to pull it around things (weeds,pilings,logs,etc..) it hampers the set drastically.  Flouro has less streth and is alot more sensative than mono.  Braid is good, but you may reduce the number of bites you get depending on the water clairity.  

A limber tip = a slow tip, which is no good when you're trying to get a good, firm hookset. A fast, or extra-fast tip will help you get a better hookset. Your baitcast setup sounds better suited for plastics.

The line could also be a culprit. Mono stretches some on the hookset, and if you're fishing in heavy grass, that vegitation will make it even harder to set the hook. Braid is better in grass.

Finally, as always, drop the tip, reel in the slack, and set the hook with a snap of your wrist.

Good luck!

X2 you hit the nail right on the head!!!

A limber tip = a slow tip, which is no good when you're trying to get a good, firm hookset. A fast, or extra-fast tip will help you get a better hookset. Your baitcast setup sounds better suited for plastics.

The line could also be a culprit. Mono stretches some on the hookset, and if you're fishing in heavy grass, that vegitation will make it even harder to set the hook. Braid is better in grass.

Finally, as always, drop the tip, reel in the slack, and set the hook with a snap of your wrist.

Good luck!

X2 you hit the nail right on the head!!!

x3 it helps when you use the correct equipment.

Patience.

Add patience to the above formula data the guys have given you.

When fishing a Senko, watch your line.

You can keep a finger on the line, but it is imperative that you watch your line as it will move when the fish takes the Senko.

When the line starts to move, slowly point your rod tip at the bait, reel in the slack, set your feet, and rip the rod fast and hard over your head to set the hook. A solid six (6) foot range is excellent when setting the hook.

Be sure to set your feet or you can fall down with the power you will be using to set that hook.

You will miss some as they have the tail of the bait in their mouth. But you will also catch more than you miss.

Some other suggestions to consider:

1.  Use an attractant, like JJ's Magic or Megastrike.  Some bass will hold onto the bait longer if it tasts or smells good.

2.  Fish the Senko wacky rigged using a weedless hook.

3.  Flouro line, only.  No mono. Use mono for treble hook baits.

4.  Continue to use a baitcaster for its power and ability to fight a big fish.

5. A 12 pound test is fine. You can go higher if you want or go to an abrasive resistant line if necessary. But don't overdo the line strength.  12 pound test is usually fine for Senko fishing.

Just remember to be patient.  I lose more fish on Senkos as I am a Type A personality and I just can't wait to set that hook.

Let them run with the Senko for at least 4 to 5 seconds, which can be a lifetime on the water.  But you have to let them take the bait in their mouths and then set the hook, hard.  Very hard.

One last observation.  See where you are hooking the fish.  Front lip; right side; left side; middle and back of mouth; etc.  This will tell you if you are letting the fish run enough when setting the hook.

Good luck and keep throwing those Senkos and *** baits.  

There is one thing I can add to the already excellent advice you've been getting.  Gammy hooks are fine and dandy and I'm sure we've all caught tons of fish on them, however since I switched to higher quality hooks I am definitely getting a better hookup ratio.  The hooks I am using are daichii x point in 4/0 OR Owner cutting point same size.  These hooks fly right through the bass's face!  You'll like them.

Are you putting the hook all the way through the bait and then skin hooking it or are you not fully penetrating the senko?

Are you putting the hook all the way through the bait and then skin hooking it or are you not fully penetrating the senko?

Personally, I don't notice a difference at all in the hookup percentage either way using a Senko...

Try a Carolina rig. I have been getting better hookups on it.  Tap or a tug....sweep to the side usually does it.

Check this video out