Hooksets and fireline

Tonight I lost what had to have been about a 3 lb bass on the Charles and it occurred to me that I have been missing a lot of fish lately (having one of my worst seasons in years actually). I recently switched my spinning setup to fireline crystal and I just feel like my hooksets are "off" somehow. I know it has no stretch and I've been trying to compensate with keeping my drag less snug to compensate. Otherwise, I love this line! It casts like a dream and is wicked sensitive. There's a chance my spinning reel might need replacing too. Belonged to my gramp and I think the bearings and drag washers might be shot.

If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it.

IMO I would righted the drag all the weigh and to compensate for the no stretch line get a mid to heavy wire hook and you should be able to drive the hook home

I'd end up buying 5 new rods and reels. Lol that's just me. Spend spend spend. But if your using a wicked old reel I'd start there for sure

Yeah, I think I've been using this reel for way too long for nostalgic reasons (he passed 5 years ago and we were very close). I saw some reasonably priced Shimanos at Dick's and they seem well reviewed on various internet sites. I think the drag on this Penn is way too sticky and I'm having trouble finding the sweet spot for the braid.

Find a nice spot for it in the man cave. The braid is probably too much for it. Are you using a mono backing or taping the spool before lining the braid?

I taped the spool before putting on the Fireline.

It will definitely have an honored spot in the Man Cave.

Tonight I lost what had to have been about a 3 lb bass on the Charles and it occurred to me that I have been missing a lot of fish lately (having one of my worst seasons in years actually). I recently switched my spinning setup to fireline crystal and I just feel like my hooksets are "off" somehow. I know it has no stretch and I've been trying to compensate with keeping my drag less snug to compensate. Otherwise, I love this line! It casts like a dream and is wicked sensitive. There's a chance my spinning reel might need replacing too. Belonged to my gramp and I think the bearings and drag washers might be shot.

If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it.

I have been using braid for a couple of years and I know what your going through. When I started using braid I also lost a lot of bass. My suggestion is to fish it the same as mono loosen the drag slightly, not as much as you think you should. A slight adjustment will make a huge difference. If a fish is pulling very hard adjust the drag then. I compensated too much and I think that's your problem also, good luck...

Tight lines.

make sure you are using a good sharp hook. also dont forget, its fishing, you cant catch them all.

Tonight I lost what had to have been about a 3 lb bass on the Charles and it occurred to me that I have been missing a lot of fish lately (having one of my worst seasons in years actually). I recently switched my spinning setup to fireline crystal and I just feel like my hooksets are "off" somehow. I know it has no stretch and I've been trying to compensate with keeping my drag less snug to compensate. Otherwise, I love this line! It casts like a dream and is wicked sensitive. There's a chance my spinning reel might need replacing too. Belonged to my gramp and I think the bearings and drag washers might be shot.

If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it.

I have been using braid for a couple of years and I know what your going through. When I started using braid I also lost a lot of bass. My suggestion is to fish it the same as mono loosen the drag slightly, not as much as you think you should. A slight adjustment will make a huge difference. If a fish is pulling very hard adjust the drag then. I compensated too much and I think that's your problem also, good luck...

Tight lines.

Thanks for the validation. Like I said, I think this sticky drag isn't helping matters. I knew I'd have a bit of a learning curve with the braid but losing that fish tonight just hurt, lol. I've had some keepers this year but nothing to write home about (so to speak).

make sure you are using a good sharp hook. also dont forget, its fishing, you cant catch them all.

That's why they call it fishing and not catching, right?

And I did check my hooks thinking that was the simple fix.

Yeah, I think I've been using this reel for way too long for nostalgic reasons (he passed 5 years ago and we were very close). I saw some reasonably priced Shimanos at Dick's and they seem well reviewed on various internet sites. I think the drag on this Penn is way too sticky and I'm having trouble finding the sweet spot for the braid.

This would probally fix most of the issues your having, also match the rod to type of fishing your doing.
Spend the money on quality products, you do get what you pay for. The inexpensive reels and rods do not work as well and last as long as the quality products...

Last edited by johnyak on Sun Jul 21, 2013 12:47 pm; edited 1 time in total

Yeah, I think I've been using this reel for way too long for nostalgic reasons (he passed 5 years ago and we were very close). I saw some reasonably priced Shimanos at Dick's and they seem well reviewed on various internet sites. I think the drag on this Penn is way too sticky and I'm having trouble finding the sweet spot for the braid.

This would probally fix most of the issues your having, also match the rod to type of fishing your doing.
Send the money on quality products, you do get what you pay for. The inexpensive reels and rods do not work as well and last as long as the quality products...

I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for".I buy what my budget allows and try to get the best quality for my money with a little added research. I tested the Shimano at Dick's and it felt super smooth and better than the Daiwa and Okuma at the same price point. The Quantum seemed comparable though.

NEVER buy any okuma that dicks sells there trash.

Most of my reels are Shimano, I also have Quantum baitcast reel that has worked great over the years.

Rods I use St.Croix and Shimano. While your shopping you might want to upgrade.

When filling the spool you may want to save money by using a mono backing. This way when changing line you only need to use 100 yards or so. Good luck.

Tight lines...

Picked up the new Shimano today and spooled the braid off the old reel and onto the new one. So far it feels incredibly and the drag is nice. We'll see how it goes. Thanks to all for the advice.