You boys keep breaking your backs if you want. I was with you, Parker, until the back breaking hookset. I think if the rod is bent down, a simple, firm, solid lift is all that is necessary. I keep my drags pretty firm, but nowhere near Alaska/Kenai tight.

However, while that is what I think, every time I actually set the hook, I let out a guttural roar that causes heads to turn, jaws to drop, and women to cover the ears of small children, while I attempt to deliver enough force to the hook to penetrate 1/8 plate steel.

Seriously, all I look for is a good firm lift. If there is any resistance, any of these gucci hooks we are using will either penetrate or skate off the bone. More effort is just theatrics, in my opinion. Further, I think the fish is hooked or not by However, I acknowledge that the pros are saying differently, and there is probably a lot I could learn if I shut up and watched. (Beatcha to it, Dawg!)

BTW, Predator Dawg is nursing a 103 degree fever and feeling bad that he can't fish, so let's all give him a great big "Aw-w-w-w."