When throwing topwaters, my biggest problem was setting the hook to early, as soon as the strike occurred. I would pull it away from alot of fish. I had to learn to set on feel rather than sight. I keep working the bait but as soon as I feel pressure after the strike I set the hook. Loose alot less fish now. Plus if the fish misses it on the initial strike, you will not snatch the bait half way back to the boat, and the fish will usually come back for more. If the fish does not get hook(s) on the strike, and pressure isnt applied or applied to late to set them, then there is the possibility of the fish realizing the bait you are throwing was not what he was expecting to eat therefore releasing the bait. Hope my rambling has given you some help!
