The Hook Set

By Joshua Bergan

Whether it be a splashy rise or a subtle subsurface sip, confidence in your hook set can make the difference between double-digits and the skunk.

For the most part, mere alertness is the single most important aspect of properly setting the hook. Too often, anglers get distracted by the beautiful rivers, mountains, eagles, elk, and everything else we encounter while fishing (and there's nothing wrong with that), and are unprepared when a fish strikes. If you're paying attention, the level of force and the timing of setting the hook usually comes naturally. And as with all things fishing, the more you get out there, the more natural it will become.

Keep in mind that some days, there's nothing you can do to get a solid hook set. You'll feel the subtle tug of a trout, which alerts you to set the hook. But on certain days when the fish are skeptical, they won't take the fly long enough or whole-heartedly enough to get a hook in 'em. It's important to know when this is happening, so you don't let yourself get unnecessarily frustrated and/or change your hook technique which may pose hook-setting problems in the future. Changing flies and/or moving on is often the solution when these teaser trout are encountered.

In the fall when the browns are particularly aggressive due to spawning, it's possible to get multiple strikes on the same streamer - one right after another. If you yank the fly away from the fish in your frantic hook set, toss it right back where the strike occurred as soon as possible. The fish will often still be there, and will often smack the fly again.

Basically, you'll know how hard and when to set the hook once you get used to how the fish are acting on any given day. Some days and with certain hatches, they'll be quite aggressive. Other days and with other hatches, they'll be rather timid. Spending a little time observing and through trial and error, you'll be able to determine the proper hook set.

To see more of Joshua Bergan's work, visit www.joshuabergan.com.