We have been running our flat lines off #64 rubber bands looped once around the line. We are not coming tight often on hits or they let go after a second. Would looping the rubber band twice on the line improve the hook set? Would release clips be a noticable improvement? What do you recommend? What brand/style of clips? Thanks. After the hit, what is your hook setting technique?

I use Blacks release clips screwed into the transom right by my aft rod holder. I normally run my flat lines off the rocket launcher mounted on my transom wall. I have my drags set so that the fish hooks itself, fairly tight....that's when I'm meat fishing...now Marlin is another story all together ......Bob

Good words from Bob. If Still Thinkin says it you can take it to the bank (or, in this case, the box).

We use the Aftco flat line roller clips. More expensive but easier to adjust with the tension, the older ones are better than the newer ones. If you can, take out a screw from the rub rail on the transom and put in a stainless steel eye and attach the clip to that, you might have to use a split ring.

Brian

I also use the AFTCO clips. I have mine on a 6" rubber coated wire leader with a large barrel swivel on the end. I can then clip it to a tiedown ring, the reel or wherever and it isn't sitting there bouncing against the boat on the rides in and out. I also like the easy adjustment of the thumb screw for adjusting the tension. As for setting the hook, just as previously stated, set your drags so that the fish will basically hook himself during his run.

Blacks clips secured to the tow rings w/nylon 550 cord. Works fine.

Doesn't sound like the problem is with your rubber bands, but with your drag setting or a "whippy" rod. The drop-back created by a fish striking the bait is not that much different when you are using a rubber band (I presume you are lopping to your running line and then down to the crank handle) then running your line through a transom clip. Drop back will be the amount of slack you get in the line as it is either pulled from the clip or stretches the rubber band to breaking before you hit the drag on the line through the reel. As Bob (Still Think'n) says, tighten the drag for meat fishing. Good luck.
Tight lines.
Dave

Sorry, I misread your question. The fish will hook itself unless its a white marlin or sailfish or if you are using circle hooks. Have the drag set at strike. For dink baits for sails and whites, have it in free spool with the clicker on and a twist in the line in the clip on the lightest tension. The fish will knock it out and start feeding itself, or do this if you are using circle hooks.

Put your Drag setting on a 50 at 14 to 16 lbs at Strike.Use a scale but heat the washers up before you set the drag.You can heat the washers up by having someone strip off drag as you reel it in,do this about 5 times then slowly pull the scale for an accurate setting.Set the Dink Reels at 5.5 lbs for Whitey.

Thank you all. I believe you've answered my question. It seems that we miss more fish on the flat lines than on the outriggers. I was trying to blame it on the rubber bands.

The old 64 Rubber Band is your friend Man, don't blame him.