setting the hook but never hooking, chironomid style

[drysuperfly52]

I was fishing Serene this weekend and slaying them with the wolley bugger so i thought i would try some chironomid fishing with a float, I bought the gear needed and have the basic concept down but this was my first time activily fishing this method. I ended up getting strikes/hits almost instantly, i tried everything i could to set the hook and always got nothing.

I was fishing with about 4 feet below the float, about 20' out in front of me. I dont know what size of hook i was using, it was a bigger one for sure. The only thing i can come up with is the hook was too big, but i was catching the planters on a wolley bugger 4X times bigger

any pointers would be great.

[G-Man]

Don't set the hook, just take up the slack and the hook should find its way into the corner of the fish's mouth. You want the fish moving away from you when you do finally apply pressure. Same principle applies when using circle hooks and bait. Nymphs don't typically trigger a strike and run response from trout, setting the hook will just pull it out of their mouths.

[Anglinarcher]

Times two. Even dry fly fishing has this same problem, got to wait for the fish to turn or until you feel the weight.

[drysuperfly52]

thanks guys, hopefully tonight i can try again and slow it down a little.