This subconscious strike is an interesting one. However it’s not as widely believed to be a “trout strike/set” IMO but instead a “dryfly/nymph strike”. When fishing streamers for trout, or surface muddlers, the same thing applies - I’d keep the rod down and carry on retrieving.
I’ve never had a problem “trout striking” in ISW as a consequence. “Trout striking” with poppers on Snakehead also results in missed fish. However striking for Gourami with dry flies requires a “trout strike/set” - conversely a “strip set” will pull the fly out of their mouths!
Unfortunately these actions all need to be ingrained to become sub-conscious.
As a side, I’m having a big problem setting the hook on Jungke Perch with poppers. I’ve been strip setting and missing a lot of fish - I think because they are so bloody fast! For these fish I’m going to try both strip setting and “trout striking” combined to see what happens. The problem is remembering to do this when it happens!
Cheers, Paul
