I bought these with low expectations as to if they would even work based on the other limited info reviews. My initial impression was that these were not worth the hassle of setting up and using as instructed. After a few tweaks these things are actually quite good. They won’t hook every fish that bites, but if your the type of fisherman that doesn’t watch your pole every second it’s in the water, these will hook fish you otherwise probably would have missed.The instructions say to turn your spinning rod upside down, place it in your rod holder and then bend it to attach the hook setter. If using a baitcast rod there is no need to turn it upside down. Basically as per the instructions you want your rod guides facing up. If used as directed these things are WAY TO SENSITIVE. The breeze created just by walking next to these things will set it off. A light breeze with set it off. If a fish even thinks about taking your bait it will set if off. Another reviewer suggested attaching a weight from the bottom peg. This helps with the sensitivity issue a bunch but is just another step needed to make these work reliably, as instructed. The angle of the bank also plays a role in the sensitivity.Here’s what I did (saw this from another review of a similar product)Shave off the thick section of the hook. Make it a uniform bend in thickness. Once this is done it will easily attach to a spinning rod that isn’t placed upside down in the holder. The main bonus is the sensitivity is a lot better. Nothing other than an actual fish taking your bait will set it off. Wind? No issues? Nibbles? Won’t activate. Breathing close by? Go for it.Also don’t forget but you’ll need something to attach the rope to the ground. I just use a 12″ ‘nail’ bought for $.25 at my local hardware store.Not too bad for $10.
