Hookset
Encyclopedia
In recreational fishing
terminology, the hookset (or setting the hook) is a motion made with a fishing rod
in order to "set" a fish hook
into the mouth of a fish once it has bitten a fishing lure
or bait. That is, in order to secure the fish on the hook, a sharp motion is preformed to push the barb of the hook into the fish's mouth, preferably in the corner. If this motion were not preformed, while it is possible for a fish to set itself, the likelihood of successfully landing the fish is slim since, without the barb of the hook secured, the fish could simply shake the hook out of it's mouth.The motion is usually a sharp, sweeping motion of the rod, either upwards or to the side, depending on the orientation of the rod at the moment the fish bites. Some fishermen will sometimes perform several hooksets in quick succession to ensure that the fish is securely hooked, especially on fish with tough mouths such as some saltwater species, while in contrast, anglers using circle hook
s needn't set the hook at all, since the hook's unique design allows it to set itself when the angler reels in.
Recreational fishing
Recreational fishing, also called sport fishing, is fishing for pleasure or competition. It can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is fishing for profit, or subsistence fishing, which is fishing for survival....
terminology, the hookset (or setting the hook) is a motion made with a fishing rod
Fishing rod
A fishing rod or a fishing pole is a tool used to catch fish, usually in conjunction with the pastime of angling, and can also be used in competition casting. . A length of fishing line is attached to a long, flexible rod or pole: one end terminates in a hook for catching the fish...
in order to "set" a fish hook
Fish hook
A fish hook is a device for catching fish either by impaling them in the mouth or, more rarely, by snagging the body of the fish. Fish hooks have been employed for centuries by fishermen to catch fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005, the fish hook was chosen by Forbes as one of the top twenty tools...
into the mouth of a fish once it has bitten a fishing lure
Fishing lure
A fishing lure is an object attached to the end of a fishing line which is designed to resemble and move like the prey of a fish. The purpose of the lure is to use movement, vibration, and colour to catch the fish's attention so it bites the hook...
or bait. That is, in order to secure the fish on the hook, a sharp motion is preformed to push the barb of the hook into the fish's mouth, preferably in the corner. If this motion were not preformed, while it is possible for a fish to set itself, the likelihood of successfully landing the fish is slim since, without the barb of the hook secured, the fish could simply shake the hook out of it's mouth.The motion is usually a sharp, sweeping motion of the rod, either upwards or to the side, depending on the orientation of the rod at the moment the fish bites. Some fishermen will sometimes perform several hooksets in quick succession to ensure that the fish is securely hooked, especially on fish with tough mouths such as some saltwater species, while in contrast, anglers using circle hook
Circle hook
A circle hook is a type of fish hook which is sharply curved back in a circular shape. It has become widely popular among anglers in recent years because it hooks a much higher percentage of fish and is rarely swallowed...
s needn't set the hook at all, since the hook's unique design allows it to set itself when the angler reels in.