When do you strike?

[Fishery Pokery]

I used to strike all the time but used to end up reeling in every five minutes, especially if fishing the river!
I also read a few books that said it has no effect at even a modest range. Now I wait untill the rod tip really rattles or if it has rattled for 15 seconds or more. Then I wind down tight and strike, but I think the fish is usually hooked by then anyway.
However I used to fish with a lad that held the rod at all times, even when fishing the river and he struck at any slight movement. He always seemed to do well with the cod (although he was a good angler anyway).

When do you strike, if at all?

 

[Davyred]

Depends Geoff. Theres times on Roker and the South Pier that, because of the pull of the tide and me using a grapnel lead, I\'ve just had to wind into fish, although that doesn\'t necessarily work with slack-liners. I tend to strike everywhere else I fish though.

It\'s another thing that I think comes down to experience, just by seeing or feeling the type of bite you\'re getting.

 

[BriH]

agree with davy \"it Depends\" if your bite has \"weight \" behind it you will probably have it on anyway and it may be just a case of setting the hook - but if its a rattle bite in your hand you are in the lap off the Gods when it comes to setting the hook

this is canny hard to answer - i know what i want to say but cant put it into words for you mate

it is experiance that helps 90% of the time

 

[orinoco]

I tend to strike after the 2nd bite. If i leave it longer i have a tendancy to gut hook the fish.

 

[Fishery Pokery]

Just wondering what others do. I suppose if your happy with what you do then you will have more confidence, and probaly more success as result.
I sometimes miss a few bites but usually console myself that they were probaly too small a fish for me to hook or a crab. I change bait every 15 to 17 minutes so it is rarely fully gone.
What do if you have a two hook rig and are fishing for whiting? And if you do leave it then, do you still do the same in a match?
Just curious.

 

[Northumbrian]

I tend to strike after the 2nd bite. If i leave it longer i have a tendancy to gut hook the fish.

Have you ever considered using circle hooks?

 

[orinoco]

Have you ever considered using circle hooks?

PMSL, with your record using circle hooks! I may as well just start chucking worms to the fish to save time