TOPIC:

Got out about 11 and fished until snow. Only used body baits (Thinfish and Storm 4" Firestick in uv sunburst) on 2 color SWR's or 5/8 oz keel sinker 75 back. Only boated one sub legal, but had 6 strikes on the Firestick that came unbuttoned. Odd, all the action on one bait and the number of losses. Any thoughts?

BTW, the UV Storms are deadly on Lake Superior in the spring. Thought I'd try down here. So far, so good. Next time, some spoons in the spread.

I am a big believer in sharpening your hooks. The best sharpener that I have found is Bear Paw Tackle Fish Hook 3" Grooved Sharpening Stone.

To test if a hook is a sharp drag the point of the hook across your thumb nail. If it digs in its sharp, most likely it will not dig in. Following is a video link

Bruce

Thanks, TC! Might as well order one, I have time on my hands.....

I agree with the sharp hooks. I have I believe the older Rapala hook sharpener but it looks like it is retractable now, which would be nice for keeping on the boat. Every winter I resharpen all my hooks and replace those that don't look good anymore.

Used to be hook sharpening was vital. It still never hurts and I keep a simple stone to hone any I think are substandard, but it doesn't get the use it did 10 or 20 years ago. Modern hooks are much sharper than they used to be.
Most of the short hits on cohos are due to the size of the fish and the type of lure being used. For instance, I almost never lose a fish that bites a Mepps Spinner. The hook isn't flipping around or wobbling and the fish end up with all three trebles inside the mouth. Can't say that with most crankbaits, many many lip hooked fish, some that flop off in the net.
Basically, at this time of year, short hits are just a part of the fun.

Interesting point on the trebles. The one I boated had all three barbs of the forward treble stuck in the mouth. One in the top, two in the bottom. I wish I could say it was a delicate release. I prefer spoons with single point hooks for this reason. I am guessing we moved a lot of small fish, as none of them mounted a serious run, just light resistance and then gone.