I just started to bass fish in a serious way and have found many folks online that have been helpful to me. So here is another question, and you have permission to chuckle:
I have lost 2 nice bass in 2 weeks because the suckers jumped on me and shook my lure. I've tried to anylize what I've done wrong and I think I may be holding my rod tip too high or something. Should I be ready to pull him back down? Should I slacken up? I don't have a clue. Please help.

How are you doing buddy, you came to the right place for answers, theres a ton of guys here willing to help ya out. As for your question. When the fish jumps make sure you keep your line super tight. What i do is "bow" to the fish. When he jumps, I reel down and bow my rod. Just remember "TIGHT LINES", and you'll be all set man. Good luck, and dont get discouraged, we all miss fish no matter how experienced we are.keep us inforemed.

Another way to solve the jumping fish problem is when you feel or think the fish is about to jump. Then point your rod straight down into the water, that will turn the fish. but remember just don't get overly excited about the fish and dog him in let him wear down before bringing him in.

Rodney Birditt Aka: Fishhead

If you are losing the fish on a jump early in the fight, the problem is in your hookset. You're getting the hook point to grab, but not in past the barb and when he gets up and shakes, some slack gets in the line and the hook just falls out. If this is the case try to increase the speed of the tip of your rod when setting the hook. Hook sets are based on speed not power. If you are losing fish on the jump after they have been on for a while, then the hook is working a large hole in his mouth, which is telling you that you need to put more pressure on the fish and land him quicker. What lure are you losing them on?
Frank

I have to agree with keeping your line tight but you might also try buying very very sharp hooks. On crank baits I change all the stock trebles to triple grips.

You guys are pretty smart. LOL

I agree with all of you.


JT Bagwell

I definitely agree with all that has been posted.

When I get a good fish, and it is not on camera (we like a little entertainment at those moments), I'll put my rod tip into the water to keep the fish from jumping.

Crankbaits and jigging spoons are some of the worst for being shaken, as there is a weight which can be used when the fish starts shaking his head.

David Fritts has a very good method of landing a fish on a crankbait, although it requires a lot of moving about in the boat. He keeps his rod tip down to the water, and goes with the fish around the boat (keeping a tight line). This way the fish can either be lead to a lip landing postion, or into a net. By the way, if a net is used, I recommend the Frabill Catch and Release net. They are great for storage, easy on the fish, and less likely to be tangled with lures. Sorry about the commercial, but it is something that really works.
Dan

Dan,

I am with you all the way on those nets. They are great.

JT Bagwell