I seriously believe that many times when I miss a fish, even on very hard takes, I set the hook too soon. When dry flyfishing and the takes are visible, it is very easy to set the hook on the boil, rather than waiting for the fish to actually take the fly. It can be very difficult to wait that extra second but it almost always ends up with a dancing rod. I think the same can be said when spoon fishing. You mentioned that you were ready. However, if you have a quick reaction, I can totally see you pulling the spoon away from the fish before he turns on it. Just my opinion. Also my experience when using barbless hooks with heavy bodies, (spoons, jigs) there is a much greater chance of the fish, especially steelhead since they are so acrobatic, to throw the hook. The heavy body of the lure tends to pull the hook out, especially with the hook planted in the snout without a barb.

DaveD

[This message has been edited by DaveD (edited 01-28-2001).]