Learning to Hoop

[tkm127]

Hi all. I am totally new to this thread, I have been on the fishing network for a while now but not much response. I started hooping this year, last March. Not very lucky , only 1 legal for the year. I am always looking for advice or any information that I can use. I usually go out with a friend with a 15' boat, not big but comfortable as long as the weather is good.

When the hooping season is over I will probably try to fish around the Long Beach area, Again always lookinf for some advice. I have no problem in sharing what little iffo that I know, after all you only gp around once in life so why not help others. Eventually all comes back to you, hopefully mine are all long term friends.

See you soon.

[beacondawg]

welcome bro, alot of info here on hoop'n.alot of the guys do it.

[Big-D]

Welcome to the site.............................................. .............

Big-D and the Dog

[rav3n805]

welcome bro, you'll learn alot here!

[Carnivore]

Welcome to the board. Not much to hooping just look for structure and rotate bait till you find something that works best. A steady pull the faster the better but steady is better then a speedy jerky motion. Tips and tricks section has some info on lobster that is a good read. Hope ya have fun here and post some catches. Thanks again for joining Get Bent.

[5150dude]

Terry,
I am sort off new to hooping and definately not an expert but I will tell you a few things I have learned.

• Don't get too excited on the posts that show guys getting limits and don't get discouraged when you don't. Most don't and with a little patience and practice, so will you eventually. The best we have done on one trip is 8 nice ones and two shorts for the two of us.
• Use bait cages and stuff them as much as possible. These critters follow the scent which is why oily baits work the best.
• Be steathy when approaching your nets. We had out spreader lights on and were clomping around the deck which is amplified underwater. We didn't get squat.
• It seems they are shallower at the begining of the season (15') and go deeper later when the temp and surge changes (like now). We have been going 45' and plan to go deeper next week.
• We have done best by setting them before dark then do the first pull when it is dark, VERY DARK.
• The first part of your pull is the most important. Don't give them a chance to sense you are there and keep a steady pull the entire way. If the net yo-yo's they could float up and out.
• By the time you are done picking up the last one, it will be time to go back to the first and start over or maybe give it 15 or so.
• LB Harbor has been good and they are still there. The wall and the rocks around the queen Mary are good but it is a bit shallow. We plan on switching our plan to Catalina which will be new (buggin) turf for us.
• Use your meter for the right depth hopefully around some structure.
• If you have a son, nephew, or any other energetic person... bring them and let them do the pulling. Believe me, pulling 10 set hoops in 50' is a workout.

I am sure there is more but this will hopefully get you some success. Let me know how you do.
Happy Holidays,
Dave

[sourcreamnjive]

Welcome aboard, you'll love it here.........nobody else knows what their doing either just have a beer between each pull and for some reason the bugs are attracted to beer belching fisherman they just walk into our traps!

[beacondawg]

Originally Posted by sourcreamnjive

Welcome aboard, you'll love it here.........nobody else knows what their doing either just have a beer between each pull and for some reason the bugs are attracted to beer belching fisherman they just walk into our traps!

[rsonl541]

Originally Posted by sourcreamnjive

Welcome aboard, you'll love it here.........nobody else knows what their doing either just have a beer between each pull and for some reason the bugs are attracted to beer belching fisherman they just walk into our traps!

Really!!

[chance]

welcome to getbent