In-line boards/Crawler harness

[Moose]

Do you set the hook on a crawler harness, when you run them on boards?I don't do this very often.Sounds really fun!I'll be going to Erie for the first time for the spring bite in April. :7

[stevefellegy]

NOOOOOOOOOO! The board will do just fine setting the hooks. Take the pole out of the holder slooooowly. Keep the rod up to keep the board above the surface and reel slowly and steadily. Have fun!!

[Moose]

Thanks Steve!!! That's what I thought but wasn't sure. Hopefully we'll have good weather that week.Staying at the Island Put-In bay
heard that was a fun place if the wind blows.;)

[DUDE]

Moose, I disagree with steve. I learned this with Gary Roach himself, on lake Erie. Fished with him all day using the technic you are wondering about. The key to it is not to give a quick set like in jig fishing. Take rod out of holder, then lift rod tip up and give it a sweeping hook set from 10 to 2 o clock. Keep in mind that you want the rod tip up high at all times. I got yelled at 2 or 3 times that day for not setting the hook. Sorry steve don't mean to step over your answer.

[TK_551]

I will use the sweeping hookset when running harnesses without boards. With boards, I do what Steve has said.

Tom
#551

[ETT]

I'd say their both right. If I'm running meat at 0.5 to 1.2 mph and I'm dropping fish,or having pull backs that don't stick, I'll get to the rod ASAP and put added dpressure on the fish. (Not really a hookset, just added pressure). But I don't ever do this at speeds over 1.5 mph. Then you're just trying to rip the hooks out of the fish.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[stevefellegy]

Don't worry about disagreeing with ME...I'm open to learning to. There are some who mark it on the calender though, (I won't say names lol), when I admit I'm wrong, but....

When I said "nooooooooo", I meant what most envision as setting the hook. What you are saying Roach was doing is just putting some pressure on the fish....done by lifting the pole as I suggested also.
I emphazised "sloooowly" just to eliminate what ETT described as ripping the fish OFF.
ETT refers to speed being a factor. As he says, no doubt there is PLENTY of pressure at speeds over 1.5, and less than 1.0 is next to impossible to achieve. In between is "harness" speed.
One can also assume, there will be some waves involved that will be a constant, added pull by the boards, on the line. There for, again, creating plenty of hook setting motion.
So...in definition....don't set the hook. Lift the rod, without a jerking, panicing motion, and drag the fish in steadily, compensating for wave surge, the board, and the size of the bad boy hangin' on the hooks. I like doin' it "sloooooooooowly". lol

[Buck]

Moose, you will fall on love with those Erie Eyes. Good luck on your trip be safe and have fun.

[iamwalleye1]

I agree! boards NO! No board just the sweep!

[Water Dog]

You are going to have a good time at the Island .

If you go to the round top bar , better leave the good shoes on the boat , the beer gets served in buckets .

Seen many a night guys and gals wearing the buckets like a helmet .

Yes , I am a buckethead too !

[JCarp]

Off topic but if you have a blow day - The old fish hatchery is worth a visit.

[Moose]

Thanks to all that replied;)