Setting the hook too early?

Question

I can't tell if I'm being too impatient when I feel a nibble or if it's just bad luck.I've been fishing for carp and bullhead the last couple days.I've always had decent luck at this pond but the last two days I went I've only caught one carp.I usually cast out,keep my line tight and stand and wait for a nibble.Well today I had 5 nibbles in an hour but caught nothing.How long after the nibble should I wait to set the hook?

Usually I set the hook right after I feel it.Is this too soon?

Answer 1

It would definitely be worth thinking about your hook size. I often have this problem for twenty minutes or so into my day, until I zero in on the correct size bait and hook. Are you using a floating cork? This is a pretty easy way to gauge when to set your hook, and you can set up with a sliding cork in order to accurately set the depth of your bait. If you are using doughbait, it is also possible that it has become too dry in storage and toughened since you last used it. This might make it a little harder to hook your fish, try smaller bits and wet them down before you shape them.

Answer 2

loosen the drag...let the fish take it and go several feet before LIGHTLY crankin it in...."setting" is not as necessary as some might think.

Answer 3

set the pole down and leave slack in the line when the slack leaves and the pole bends set the hook  This is the method I use to catch carp.

Answer 4

I agree with school nurse. Circle hooks are great when your getting a bunch of bites and nibbles because the fish catch themselves. But if you don't want to use them just slowly pull your rod back that will make the fish attack it then you just reel the fish in. After a while you will get the hang of it. Good luck and good fishing!

Answer 5

Try using a smaller hook until you get used to fishing.  A small treble hook is even better.  When you get used to feeling the bite, switch to a small single hook.

A disadvantage of using small hooks and treble hooks are that the fish may swallow the hook.  You'll need a good pair of needle nose pliers to ge the hooks out.  

You could also try a circle hook.  When you feel the bite, gently lift up the rod tip to tighten the line and the hook will position itself usually in the corner of the mouth and the hook sets itself.  You never set the hook when using circle hooks.

Answer 6

Gently and slowly pull back as you are getting a hit, this will often create a more aggressive strike which will allow you to set the hook.

Answer 7

Often, the size bait you use relative to the size hook you are using plays a big role in how you set the hook.

Too big of a hook and you'll limit the size of the fish being caught to only larger fish. The result is Big fish or getting your bait nibbled off by smaller fish.

If your whole hook is covered with bait and none of the hook is exposed, let them run with it for a second or 3 before setting the hook.

If the barb is exposed, give'em a couple of nibbles and give it a little pull to see if the fish is on or still interested.

If just the barb is covered with bait, snatch it every time you get a bite.

And make sure your hooks are sharp... If you can scratch your finger nail with the point of the hook it's sharp enough. If the hook doesn't scratch your nail, it needs sharpening.

I believe size 10-15 hooks are what's used to catch carp in course fishing.

GL