Originally Posted by
tacklejunkie
It's the rod and the way you are using it.
You gotta change something up.
Usually if you are "pulling hooks" the rod is too stiff or you are muscling in the fish.
If you are missing hooksets then the rod is not stiff enough or you didn't set hard enough.
A softer rod will help keep the hook in longer. But you may have to slam the hookset harder to compensate.
Kastmasters are heavy too and trout shake a lot. It's easy for them to shake it out.
You will need the right rod AND you will somewhat have to get them in quickly.
I actually find a firm lift when I get hit on Panther Martins and Crankbaits with the right rod is usually OK. They do have those small hooks that pull easy but you need a light rod and they'll stay right in. You will need to set the hook a bit though, specially if the trout are 14" or larger as they begin to get harder jaws.
I lost a bunch of goldens one trip on panther martins because I couldn't get a good hookset. I had too light of a rod with me.
With the right rod you will still need to drive the hook in some, but you will notice baits staying planted in lips longer.
Don't forget to not reel against the drag and keep all your slack out. If you give a lure fish slack, that's the upper hand for them to shake the lure out. Specially with a trout or bass. From the time you get bit to the time you land the fish make sure the rod always has at least a slight bend in it.