Strange happenings for me any thoughts?

[SALMONEMIA]

Had 3 flags go off today on a 2 tip up lake, fishing right under ice in about ten to twelve FOW smelt were all messed up but never got a hook up they grabbed ran and dropped, using 4lb fluoro and size 8 gamakatsu octopus, hooked right behind dorsal fin. Im guessing bows but 3 times? I was oulling my hair out. pretty sure not salmon but who knows....

[haightdaddy]

I would say either browns or small perch?

[TheOutdoorsman]

That's a pretty common issue if fallfish are around.  They basically bite down on the bait and crush it but don't take it in.

[Oddfish]

Could be smallies starting to move.  They travel some distance and usually spit there prey and then take it and swallow it.

OD

[jimwaldron]

try hooking your bait closer to the head , or through both lips witha light wire hook.

[SALMONEMIA]

ok thanks Ill try closer to head I was taught to hook smelt behind dorsal fin but seems like they strike the head first

[Oddfish]

ok thanks Ill try closer to head I was taught to hook smelt behind dorsal fin but seems like they strike the head first

Standard J hook by the dorsal fin in line with head and tail.  Circle hook through the lips like a mackerel for stripers.

OD