As an Alabama fishing guide I have taken thousands of anglers bass fishing during my 40 plus years of guiding. Still, I'm amazed at how some anglers set the hook on a bass. Many that lose that bass before it ever gets a chance to be hooked!
Topwater lures are aggravating at times with missed strikes inevitable. You are going to miss a few bass and lose others.
But having patience and paying attention on every cast you make is what seperates the angler that produces and the angler that only has the old tale of the one that got away.
One particular topwater lure I fish exclusively is the Heddon Zara Super Spook. (See: "Everything you always wanted to know about fishing the zara spook" on my website www.fishingalabama.com home page) A big lure with three very sharp treble hooks. Thats 9 hooks in all.
So how can you miss a bass with this lure? Well, at times, we do. But it can be helped. Of course with the aid of sharp hooks, strong line and stought equipment!
When you see a big bass explode on this topwater lure wait until the lure dissapears or you feel the bass. Its that simple!
Then as you quickly bring the bass in, hit it hard with a couple more good hook sets, never letting any slack get in the line.
If its going to get off the hook, it will get get off then. If not, you will have hooked the bass better, perhaps even getting a few more hooks in it, increasing your chances of landing, not losing the bass!
Thanks and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery Owner of Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504 Birmingham, Alabama. Website www.fishingalabama.com