Phil Wiebe-Hook set tutorial

There are two schools of thought when it comes to hook sets, the strip set and the tip set. I’ll
preface this piece by saying that I fall firmly within the strip set camp. Strip setting is the act of
pointing the rod tip directly at the fish, then firmly pulling or “stripping” the line. This action takes
the rod out of the equation as you make a direct connection between you, the line and the fish.
Tip setting, also known as trout setting, is when you use the rod to set the hook into the fish with
an upward motion on the rod. For both techniques, you will want to ensure the fish actually has
the hook, so either wait for it to turn, or if you have visual contact, ensure that the mouth is
closed. Setting too soon is a very common mistake.

The tip/trout set is probably the most commonly used hook setting action that we see, even with
it being less effective. Occasionally I will hear a guide suggest that they prefer it, and it always
surprises me. When I ask them about it, they will often justify it by saying that it’s simply a more
natural and reactionary thing. So perhaps there is some method to the madness. As a guide you
do need to know when it’s appropriate to introduce new concepts to a fisherman, particularly if
they only have a day or a few hours to catch a fish. Obviously you can combine the two
techniques and you then have something that is moderately effective and perhaps more natural
for your fisherman.

So you may ask “what are the advantages of strip setting then”? I will suggest that there are
many. First of all you are basically eliminating the flex of the rod from the equation. If you’ve
ever done that test where someone will hold your line extended out a distance, 100 feet for
example, then set the hook, you will know that it takes a surprising amount of pull to set a hook.
So having eliminated the rod flex we are left with the stretch factor of both the line and
tippet/leader. The idea now is to pull up any slack line until you can feel contact with the fish,
then do a firm strip set with rod tip pointed directly at the fish. Some anglers will even do this
twice, although I generally don’t. Keep in mind that you don’t want to break the leader or hook,
which is more problematic at shorter distances. When a fish hits right at the boat you may want
to use the tip set just to avoid this problem.

Lastly and most importantly! The greatest benefit of doing strip sets is keeping your fly within
sight of the fish. When we miss on a tip set, the fly generally moves a great distance, sometimes
ending up on the complete opposite side. Now we must get it back in front of the fish which can
be difficult. Predator fish like a pike may take off looking for that fly, which means you may lose
sight of it, or more likely it’ll dart directly towards you, likely seeing you and getting spooked.
Whereas, if you had missed on a strip set, there is a strong possibility that the fish is still
tracking it and hopefully will give you a second chance.

I realize that not everyone will agree with these ideas, but give it a try and see how it goes. I’m
confident that you land significantly more fish.

Author Phil Wiebe has been a pike fishing guide for close to 30 years and is regarded as one of the most sought after guides in North America when it comes to pike on the fly.