Knowing when to set the hook can be tricky. At first, you might not be able to tell the difference between a fish on your line or the movement of the current. Hooks are small and sharp, so it doesn’t take a lot of force to hook a fish. Remember to keep tension on your line. You can use your free hand to take up slack in the line. Excess slack in the line will prevent you from properly setting the hook, and will give the fish time to let go of the fly and swim away. When you think you have a bite, pull the rod backward and up (imagine moving the rod from a 9 o’clock to a 12 o’clock position). At the same time use your index finger to pinch the line against your rod. Now let’s watch an expert demonstrate how to set a hook…[VIDEO COMING!]