Ask The Pros
Ika Q. and A.
Missing Hook-Sets on the 92F Fished “Backwards”
Q. I recently started fishing the 4" Fat Ika (92F). I was told to fish the bait weightless, tex-sposed with the tentacles facing the rod tip for the best results. I get bit quite often, but only have about a 30 to 40 percent hook-up to bite ratio. I’ve tried different hooks, different rods, different lines, and have looked and participated with fellow fishermen who are having the same problems fishing the lure tentacles forward.
Finally I read a pro fisherman's opinion on this subject - he claimed that the fish were eating the bait tentacles first which made the hook face backwards in the fish's mouth causing the lure to come out of the fish's mouth on the hook-set because the hook point was backwards. He suggested fishing the lure with the tentacles facing to the rear and the hookup ratio would improve. I tried this and got the same amount of strikes per trip with 100 percent hookups. What are your feelings on how this bait can be improved, if at all, fishing it tentacles forward? Can you give me a better set up to improve the hookup ratio fishing the bait this way or should I stick to fishing it tentacles to the rear? The lure looks very good fishing it tentacles forward, but I hate missing strikes.
George Nochta
Santee, CA
A. You have discovered one of the most deadly, and most under utilized lures in the GYCB arsenal. The 92F-Fat Ika/Palm Tree can be rigged, as you have discovered, from either end. It is the ONLY tube type lure that allows this, and the only one I know of that pitches effectively on heavy line and a Medium Heavy to heavy rod.
Now - to answer your questions. First of all, I don’t agree that the fish are eating the lure from one end or the other---This lure is bite sized enough, and I’ve watched enough bass eat it, that I am convinced that they just slurp up the whole thing, kinda like me eating Gummy Bears. Just pop it in and go.
I believe your hookset issues are coming from the use of the wrong hook, and possibly the wrong hook rigging style. After much trial and error, I think the 3/0 or 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG SUPERLINE hook is the best choice for this lure. The heavier wire adds weight for the cast, does not flex on the hookset, and has a big enough gap to compensate for all the plastic in this lure. You MUST texspose the point when you rig the “Palm Tree”, to be sure the hook point is exposed. Also, wait just a moment before setting the hook, to give the bass time to turn away. Trust me, they don’t spit this lure.
One other tip—When you rig a “Palm Tree”, put a short piece of a lead nail (found in most tackle shops, or Bass Pro Shops), into the nose of the lure. This enhances the fall of the bait, and makes it even more effective on the fall.
Mike Whitten
Southern Pro
A. First off, you picked a great bait to fish. I myself have had great success fishing this bait. As a tournament fisherman I depend on good hook ups when I fish. I can't compromise losing one fish while fishing a tournament. I personally always fish the 4" Fat Ike with the tentacles facing to the rear. I fish this bait on Falcon 6' 10" casting rod with a Shimano Curado reel with 6:3-1 gear ratio, 15 lb. Seaguar CarbonPro line, with a 4/0 Gamakatsu Superline hook. I very rarely miss a fish on this set up. I would recommend fishing the Ika with the tentacles facing the rear, especially if you are hooking up with fish a 100% of the time and getting the same amount of bites. I hope this helps.
Mike Pierce
Midwestern Pro