How to Set a Hook When Fly-Fishing

You finally got the bite you've been looking for. There's no need to lose the fish. Setting the hook will lodge it in the fish and allow you to start the fight to bring it in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Fishing Fly Kit
• Fly-fishing Flies
• Fly-fishing Leaders
• Fly-fishing Lines
• Fly-fishing Reels
• Fly-fishing Rods

1. Be careful not to set the hook too quickly or too slowly, both of which could cause you to lose the fish. This is one of the hardest tasks in fly-fishing; do it in a moderate and steady fashion.
2. Remember that the hooks in fly-fishing are small and sharp, so it doesn't take a lot of force to hook the fish. The fish may actually end up hooking itself when it takes the fly.
3. Be aware that you can't set the hook with slack in the line. Keep tension on the line as you fish or you'll give the fish time to release the fly and get away.
4. Use your free hand to strip, or pull in, line as it becomes slack in the current. You want the minimum line out.
5. Lift the rod from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock once you get a bite. At the same time, pinch the line with the trigger finger on the rod. You will need this action to apply the force necessary to set the hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the more line you have in the water, the harder you will have to pull. But make sure you pull gently enough so as not to rip the hook out of the fish or snap the tippet. Once that hook is set you can start to land your fish.