Hook set

In recreational fishing terminology, the hookset or setting the hook is a motion made with a fishing rod in order to fix a fish hook into the mouth of a fish once it has bitten a fishing lure or bait.

In order to secure the fish on the hook, a sharp motion is performed to push the barb of the hook into the fish's mouth, preferably in the corner. If this motion were not performed, while it is possible for a fish to set itself, the likelihood of successfully landing the fish is minimal since, without the barb of the hook secured, the fish could shake the hook out of its 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.[1] Some fishermen will 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. It can also be important to act quickly so that the bait is not swallowed. This would cause the hook to set in the gut of the fish and that would tend to kill it which would not be appropriate when catch and release is wanted or required.[2]

In contrast, anglers using circle hooks shouldn't set the hook with a vigorous action, since the hook's design allows it to set itself when the angler reels in.[3]

Timing is important when setting the hook when fly fishing as fish such as trout will spit out the fly quickly when they find it is not real.[4]