Trolling Hookups

[ptm]

I've recently started trolling crankbaits and have been getting some weird hook ups,a couple were through the gill plate. Is there an angle the rod should be in the holder to prevent this, or does this occasionaly happen? I'm longlining reef runners and deep tail dancers around 25 feet of water. Thanks in advance.

[locomoto]

I get some goofy hookups like that too. I just chalk it up to the fish trying harder to get off the hook as they're being pulled in behind an already moving boat and they take a treble to the side of the face. I get lots of Catfish when I'm trolling Walleyes and those things do a barrel roll that's guaranteed to bury some hooks in their noodle.

[Bowhuntnsteve]

you will catch them everywhere, I had a big sheephead on the other day and he was hooked in 2 of the 3 trebles backwards on the underbelly, one treble was in his extended anus. Took forever trying to get him in on 5 color leadcore coming in backwards and sideways.

[Steeleyes]

Originally Posted by Bowhuntnsteve

you will catch them everywhere, I had a big sheephead on the other day and he was hooked in 2 of the 3 trebles backwards on the underbelly, one treble was in his extended anus. Took forever trying to get him in on 5 color leadcore coming in backwards and sideways.

Bet your arm was tired after that.
Hooked one in the side a couple weeks ago like that and it was like pulling in a log, stinkin thing was acting like a huge dipsey. Then about 75' behind the boat it shifts and starts planing sideways swiping across 2 other lines, what a mess. I guess I was blessed this weekend with no junkfish, but didn't limit out either.

[Ned]

Pike seem to be the best at getting hooked in some place besides the mouth. I think they just take a big swipe at the lure and that is the result.

I've had a fair number or small walleyes also do this. When a 14" walleye has a treble hook in their side they sure feel like that 30" id love to see.

[Lundexp]

Happens to me all the time too. I chalk it up to the fish swiping at it and ending up getting hooked up somewhere on them other than in the mouth.

[Bowhuntnsteve]

Originally Posted by Steeleyes

Bet your arm was tired after that.
Hooked one in the side a couple weeks ago like that and it was like pulling in a log, stinkin thing was acting like a huge dipsey. Then about 75' behind the boat it shifts and starts planing sideways swiping across 2 other lines, what a mess. I guess I was blessed this weekend with no junkfish, but didn't limit out either.

oh you weren't kidding, there had to be easy 325' of line out on that since it came off a 5 color lead core off the board on the outside. I couldn't even surf him off the top he was so heavy. I thought the line would break before I got him in or my arm give out.

[Lundexp]

I love using leadcore and do better than with riggers or snapweights, but like you other guys, it takes forever to reel them in. Especially when they are hooked in the side and pull like a huge fish which often ends up to being a smaller fish hooked in the side and I would be saying "NET NET NET its a wall hanger", then it turns out to be a side hooked small walleye and I say dang! . I often will have 6 to 7 colors out so that sure does wear the arm down.

[Bowhuntnsteve]

yea 5 is my max & all I need for here on Erie. When I go to Ontario next month, I am not looking forward to the 10 color plus all the more line that is let out and depths. Thank gawd for electric riggers.

[moose-hunter]

Originally Posted by ptm

I've recently started trolling crankbaits and have been getting some weird hook ups,a couple were through the gill plate. Is there an angle the rod should be in the holder to prevent this, or does this occasionaly happen? I'm longlining reef runners and deep tail dancers around 25 feet of water. Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure if rod angle has anything to do with it... Maybe. But...

I've had some strange ones lately myself. One day they were hitting HARD and getting stuck all over the place. Had one "over shoot" a bit and hooked itself in the belly. Pulled in a 24" that felt twice that and then some.

Most times the rods are level with the water's surface if long lining or one "click" up on the holders with boards. Even had a bold little 15"er slam a muskie "pounder" with the rod tip just in the water.

Could the weird hookups be bait related?