setting a hook

Question
i have recently started fishing, for now i have been estuary fishing in australia.

The problem i have is i am not sure when to strike for a fish (the fish i am targeting are flathead bream and whiting)

i feel the tug on my line and that is when i am unsure what to do - do i strike as soon as i feel the first bite? wait a few seconds then strike? feel for a few bites then strike?

It is really frustratingme - i am raisingthe rod tip sharply 40 cm when i feel the first bite and its not working, i have also tried experimenting a few otther ways but not much luck so far - it seems i am only catching the fish that are hooking themselves

ANY advice you can give me or direct me to would be greatly appreciated in all basics but this subject especially.

Looking foward to hearing from you

Justin

Answer
Hi Justin;

An excellent question! I have never fished in your part of the world for the species you mention, so I cannot give you specific directions.  But in general, the following has worked for me.

Propperly setting the hook is a matter of many factors.  Type of bait, species, hook size and style, rig, type of line, angle of the line to the rod, and so many others.  There is no set answer.  However; keep in mind the following and you should do better.  

You are trying to "drive" the hook through the flesh of the fish in its mouth.  Think in terms of a nail being driven into wood.  Slowly pushing that nail down will not do the job, no matter how much steady pressure you may apply with your hand.  But by giving it a good solid smack with a hammer and the nail is in.  Hit the nail too hard and at any angle other than straight on, and the nail either bends or goes flying off.  

Setting a hook is similar.  A good snap of the wrist is usually all it takes.  Fish with particularly bony jaws may need a more forcefull set, while those with delicate mouth tissue may requir a lighter touch.  

When to set the hook?  Again, it depends on specific circumstances.  If you are using large natural bait, it is sometimes best to wait several seconds for the fish to get the entire bait into its mouth before attemping to set the hook.  With most lures, setting the hook has to be done immediately upon sensing the hit since there is nothing natural tasting of feeling of the lure to the fish and it will spit the lure as soon as it senses it is not real food.  And finally there are times when you almost have to set the hook before feeling the bite.  This usually happens when fishing with very small pieces of soft natural bait and the fish will generally clean off your hook on the first bite.  

I hope this is of some help to you.  I have never fished in your part of the world for the species you mention, so I cannot give you specific directions.