I know, another deep water question....lol

I'm having some issues with my bite to catch ratio after moving to AR and starting to fish the local lake, which is deep and clear (Greers Ferry). I am getting my bites but not getting them to the boat. Fishing alot of C-rigs, heavy jigs, T-rigs, etc. I'm having trouble maintaining contact after hook set, find myself out of position and unable to pick up slack fast enough, even with high gear ratio reels. Any advice is appreciated! Never had this problem in shallow water, and I'm getting frustrated!

Thanks, Joe

Are you using braid ?

10-4. 20 lb test PP with 12 lb flourocarbon leader for jigs and C-Rigs. 8# mono for shaky heads.

What rod are you using ?

Reel ?

7 ft heavy/fast Falcon lowrider for C-rigs and heavy jigs. Med-heavy/fast 6'6" for lighter jigs. 6' med/fast spinning for shaky heads. Looking for a longer spinning rod. I don't think its equipment, more rod positioning, etc.....

Sounds like you're unfamiliar with a deep bite and not recognizing immediately, giving the fish more time to get you out of position for that rock solid hookset. If fish are jumping, pulling or shaking off it's because they are not hooked well or you've given too much slack or both.

One thing you can do is to reel down just a little more before setting the hook. That will get you more rod swing to sink the hook and get them turned in your favor a little faster once you drop the hammer.

It could be a hook problem. Are your hooks sticky sharp? Are your hooks strong enough to not flex on a hard hookset with braid? A weak or dull hook will cause problems.

Could be a drag issue. Is your drag set properly? If it's set too loose you will not get solid hooksets.

I'm just thorwing some possibilities out there but it really does sound like you're not recognizing the bite early enough and when you do feel it, you may be rushing yourself to set the hook and not getting out the slack like you should before you set the hook.

FBL,

That makes sense. I'm using gamy hooks(new and sharp), I don't think equipment is the problem. Slowing down a little and making sure I have contact before setting steel sounds like it could be the issue.  Are there any tricks to fighting fish on a C-rig with heavier weights? Having the most trouble with those bites.

FBL,

That makes sense. I'm using gamy hooks(new and sharp)

Gamakatsu makes a decent hook but there are stronger options out there...and check those hook points every now and then.

Are there any tricks to fighting fish on a C-rig with heavier weights? Having the most trouble with those bites.

The weight will work against you on a carolina rig if you give any slack and the fish starts shaking its head or coming out of the water. Just do your best to keep it extra tight and give NO slack at all. Dont go overboard on the weights either. Most times a 1/2 oz will do the trick, even at 25 ft deep. As long as you keep the weight in contact with the bottom, thats the important thing.

Try reel setting in lieu of the typical rod set, you can't move enough line if the lure is more than 30' out away from the boat.

Your reel moves over 2' of line with each crank, so crank fast, lowering the rod tip until you feel the weight load up, then sweep set with the rod.

I fish in gin clear water 25' to 40' nearly everyday and miss very few fish. With the C-rig you don't feel the bass until it pulls the slack out of the line and moves the weight. I prefer to use a Pro-Jo style brass cylinder weight (black) held up the line with a pegged glass bead, no swivel. With this setup you feel the bass when it picks up the worm; a rubber band type of pressure or a tick.

Good luck.

WRB

Your reel moves over 2' of line with each crank, so crank until you feel the weight load up, then sweep set with the rod.

WRB

I agree, this type of hook set generates way more energy than a standard snap hook set. It moves a ton of line.

FBL,

That makes sense. I'm using gamy hooks(new and sharp)

Gamakatsu makes a decent hook but there are stronger options out there...and check those hook points every now and then.

Are there any tricks to fighting fish on a C-rig with heavier weights? Having the most trouble with those bites.

The weight will work against you on a carolina rig if you give any slack and the fish starts shaking its head or coming out of the water. Just do your best to keep it extra tight and give NO slack at all. Dont go overboard on the weights either. Most times a 1/2 oz will do the trick, even at 25 ft deep. As long as you keep the weight in contact with the bottom, thats the important thing.

x2 a 1/2 will work well almost all the time. Step up to a 3/4 or more if heavy wind becomes and issue. Try to use a long low sweeping hookset to the side with the c-rig.It is normally more effective than an upward sweep.