hook set help

My buddy has recently purchased a new baitcast reel. he has then put it on a heavy action rod. with 14lb spider braid. since he has done this he has missed about 10 hookets. this was not happening however when he was using a spin combo with a medium action , spider braid, or even a medium action with mono.

My theory is that it’s because of the rod since that seems to be the only thing that changed besides the reel. But I’m not sure why that would make that big of a difference. He thinks it’s the line. Any help?

By the way I may not pass this info along to him, because it’s nice outfishing him every time because he can’t land a fish!

What type of lure was he throwing ? If I we’re throwing a diving crankbait on a heavy action rod, I’d miss plenty of hook ups compared to a more medium action. Other thought that comes to mind is.. change in reel – is there also a change in ratio between reels ?

heavy action with braid and deep dive cranks, there is no plce there to get any give at all. my suggestion would be ifhe is gonna continue with that set up. to make sure he is running a very loose drag, or even run a 4to 5 ft mono leader to help get a little sretch. i would tie the leader to the main line no swivel.

I’d have to say that I’d agree with you on the rod, the line he’s using has no stretch, the rod needs to be able to absorb some of the shock. Although I’ also have to agree with, Todd because I lost several fish last year while trolling I was instructed to loosen the drag and make sure the hooks were razor sharp, and the boat would do the rest.

thanks guys I’ll pass it along. and let you know what the results are.

I would go to a MH rod if possible. Like the others said there is no give in his set-up at all. That’s bad. If money for another rod is a issue have him respool with 20lb mono line, his results will improve right away. If the drag is set right he will be able to handle Muskie’s as well. If you guy’s are now fishing 100% Muskie’s have him spool with Dacron line, that will be better then Fireline also.

Go get ’em…………

Muskies are boney mouthed / tough fish! Is your friend using muskie gear? It sounds like he is not. 14 lb test is the give away. Big gear for big fish.
Musky Hunter mag had an article last year on developing a “superman” hook set by Joe Bucher (I Think)

He isn’t using Muskie gear but he’s not exactly targeting them. If he get’s them he’s happy with it. we have actually seen some of the fish he missed one was a good size pike that hit boat side, we saw it all play out, and another was a bass. Honestly I’m not sure what his set up is for I just know that it’s a stiffer rod, with a baitcast for trolling that he misses the hooksets with. Although he did have a sucsessfull hook set on a muskie today with it.