Miss on barbel strike

[Mal Oom]

I need some help/advise. Lately I can’t seem to hook the barbel, I have decent runs but when I strike  - miss. I usually srike on the second or third run. I use a single hook “vaaldam” rig.

 

This has always worked for me, clearly not any more.

 

Some advise please?

 

[Marthin]

only strike on the 3rd run, and have your drag as loose as possible while waiting for the bite so there is no tension when the fish picks up. If you are using fish heads make sure the hook is sticking out proudly.

 

[mouse001]

Try a dif trace i always use a sliding sinker on the leader with about 500mm hookline and with a head i always use 2 hooks

 

[Riaan_The_Legend]

Try circle hooks, you don't need to strike. I love the Mustad Demon in a 4/0 or 6/0. Just tighten up as the fish runs and game on!

 

[Pipeman]

I agree with Riaan switch to circle hooks, if you make sure they are standing proud you will always hook the fish!

Riaan_The_Legend wrote:

Try circle hooks, you don't need to strike. I love the Mustad Demon in a 4/0 or 6/0. Just tighten up as the fish runs and game on!

 

[Mal Oom]

Thanks your help I will give it a go and lets hope my luck changes

how does the circle hook work if you do not have to strike?

 

[Mal Oom]

Riaan,
so can i tighten the line( so it is all you do wit a circle hook?) on the fist run and fish on or do i need to wait for the 2 run?

thanks

 

[Mal Oom]

so with the circle hook if the barbel is running you just stop your reel and start reeling in?

 

[Pipeman]

Wait untill the fish runs, give it a few seconds, hold your rod straight and tighten your drag the fish will get hooked, give your reel a few turns and only then pick up your rod! Thight lines!

 

[Mal Oom]

Thanks for all the advise I will give it a good  go – have a trip planed for the long weekend will give feed back if my fish on rate have approved.

 

[Craigis]

Clearly the GP mista wiska's are different to their Kzn counterparts.
I use a sliding 1/4 ounce sinker, bead and a steel trace and clip a 4/0 hook onto the trace (will post pic tomorrow). I cast out and give an extra 3-5m slack, once a fish takes the line and the slack, I strike, I have a 99.9% hook up rate on the first run. No 2nd and 3rd runs down here in Kzn.

 

[Ryan]

Very different up here - they are all skelms.....

 

[steve m]

Craigis wrote:

Clearly the GP mista wiska's are different to their Kzn counterparts.
I use a sliding 1/4 ounce sinker, bead and a steel trace and clip a 4/0 hook onto the trace (will post pic tomorrow). I cast out and give an extra 3-5m slack, once a fish takes the line and the slack, I strike, I have a 99.9% hook up rate on the first run. No 2nd and 3rd runs down here in Kzn.

if you dont mind me asking what is the reason for the steel trace surly you will get more takes on mono?