i don't know what it was, but my only guess is that i just wasn't setting the hook hard enough. but, i did stop and buy some new hooks on the way home. I don't know if i've ever lost 5 fish in a row, was surely frustrating, but on the other hand i haven't had too many days of winter steelhead fishing where i can say i hooked 5 fish. was sure fun though, only wish i could have brought a couple to the bank. well, there is always next time!