When to wait before setting hook?

[Doug]

Hi-

Here is my rookie question of the day...with live bait, what methods should I wait before setting the hook? Regular Jig? Floating Jig? Wolf River Rig?

I will be on the Wolf River soon, and I don't want to mess up!

Thanks,

Doug

[Dave in Mpls]

I've found the simple answer to be - it depends! It depends on how agressive the fish are, how large a presentation, bait choice, etc. I primarely fish jigs with minnows. I will typically start out assuming the fish are hungry, and will set the hook immediately. If I find I am missing more than I'm catching, and my minnows are coming back with the tell-tail peeled back skin, I may give them a half second or more next time. I'm not a particularily patient guy, so I will usually try a stinger hook before giving them more time to eat. I'll be able to tell you more when I get back from the river tomorrow :)

Regards

[Big Carp fisher]

the best amount of time to wait is twenty-thirty minutes so that the worm is no longer aware of its impending doom. Or a better bet is to wait until Jim starts screaming that it is TIME TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE!

[Chad]

Jigs-Set the hook on everything right away. If gettin bit short go to a stinger or lighter jig. The fish is hitting but is not able to suck in the entire jig. Or maybe bulk up with a grup so there is more volume but same weight.

Rigging-this is a tough one.
Minnows & Leeches-I usually
Crawlers-I usually give it a 10 count

Bottom Bouncers - I usually drop my rod tip back towards the fish and the sweep it forward with all baits.

Cranking - Never set the hook but I do sweep it forward.

[SnellTier]

Me too ... almost exactly what Chad just said.

[fishy1]

if you havnt been fishing for eyes very much you will have a hard time beating youre own reactions, rip his lips off

[Walleye Express]

Doug.
Dave is right on the money, but I prefer to downsize the jig first if the minnow is getting peeled. I usually anchor, set up on a hole and quarter cast through it, so stingers tend to get snagged or filled with debris. The walleye isn't flaring his gills as much when he's in that so-so mood. So the jig isn't being drawn in as fiercly. So, if the curreent and conditions allow, go smaller. That light little jig will fly into his mouth before he knows what happened. Then hit him immediatley or the next little thump you feel will be him spitting it back out. Capt: Dan.

[MathMan]

I think that I know, but am not quite sure. What is a Wolf River rig?

Rick Mitchell
Stevens Point, Wisconsin

[doug]

A wolf river rig uses a 3 way swivel. That means one line comes from your rod, one drops down to a bell sinker, and the third is a trailing line with your hook on it.

Doug