Missing Bites - Why?

Regular Joined: Sep 05, 2006 Posts: 333

Hi

have only recently starting beach fishing but love it. Although I have caught a few school bass I am missing great bites and don't know why.

The school bass bites that I caught all seemed to be tap-tap-tap

The bites I missed were without warning and clonking bites (only using carp rod at short distance) and really bent over the rod!! Happened about 4 times. Never got one of 'em.

Advice:
1. Should I strike these baits asap or wait and leave them?
2. What fish is this typical of?
3. I was thinking that the fish might be feeling the weight of the rod and dropping the bait. SHould I set my clutch a bit loose to let them take a little line?

Any other advice would be great

Thanks

Member Joined: Jul 31, 2006 Posts: 90 Location: out to sea

Try letting the line go slack, so the fish can pick up the bait and run with it,before you strike. It sounds like they are rejecting it as soon as they feel the tension on the line/bait. try to set up in a way that will allow some contact with the bait but also that will allow line to run free when the bait is grabbed. Baitrunnner reels are good for this , however a simple clip(rubber band) that will hold the line with enough tension when the bait is out, but will pop off and allow line to run off the spool freely when the slam bite happens. Hope this is of some help .
badger

PS nowt wrong with missing the odd klonker of a bite adds to the excitement of not knowing whats doing it untill you get it right and get the fish!!!! could that be a huge bass??? or a just plucky wee one????????

Joined: Oct 05, 2006 Posts: 1

Try purchasing a bite-lyte indicator they work wonders , it lets you know better visually at night and dim days when the best time to strike is because you can see the speed and force of the rod movements.
www.freewebs.com/bitelyte

Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 10:47 am

try standing with the rod in your hand instead of in a rod rest,that way the rod is ion your hand as soon as you get the bite strike,you should not miss the fish this way

Guest

Leaving a small amount of slack can help...What size hook are you useing? Maybe scale down. If you are fishing for anything that comes along, then maybe use a size 2 or 1, or even a 1/0. If you are fishing for bass, then scale up to a 3/0 or bigger. Also make sure your bait is not masking the barb of your hook. If using the smaller hooks use smaller baits.