when is it best to strike ?

[kela66]

i fished the tyne again today (afternoon high tide) got plenty of bites but when i struck and started to reel in i could feel a fish on then the line went slack ,a few times i struck knew there was nothing on then reeled and it felt like a fish tried to take the bait when it was moving ! .can anyone tell me how long to wait before striking ?? i watched the rod tip and saw it get 2/3 knocks in a row then i waited to see if something other than a fish (waves bits of debris under the water etc) then it knocked again and i struck is this wrong ?? , i would like to return anything i would not eat so don't want to wait till the fish has swallowed the hook . sorry if this is a daft question

[tonynufc]

i learnt myself when to strike its not one of those things someone can teach you, once you know what your rod is doing and what its capable of you'll pick it up. practise makes perfect

[Charlie_Thompson]

could be crabs mate - no kidding, if you've got a lightish rod crab having a go can give convincing bites, if the bites are happening all the time (rare if it's a fish) and they seem to be coming off after a bit reel in without giving any sign of fight - it's probably the Sandy McNabs m8

could be rang likes

[gazzawill]

sounds like you had a crab on mate then it lets go iff you stop reeling in it will then get hold again
they come in all difrent ways thats why you think its a nice fish on(rod bending ect)best to just keep reeling iff you get the crab in throw it back (bait robbing little sh1ts) but could be a peeler you put on your hook soon and land fish of a lifetime ???
lol

[gazzawill]

i my self slowley pick the rod up and feel for the bite on the line between finger and thumb as soon as i feel the twitch i strike then wait
if the fish is hooked you should feel it shaking its head ect
hope this helps

[tonybax]

there is a lot of small stuff in the river at the minute so to increase your catch rate drop your hook size down and i am sure you will see a difference.

[kela66]

cheers lads . i didn't think there were crab's in the tyne , im popping back to have another go this afternoon so will try out your tip's out .thanks again davey