In
my experiences;
A. * I find that when you pierce his back just before the dorsal fin begins, (about an inch down - depending on how thick his back is), this has normally allowed the scup to dive down and stay down in his natural habitat. (Until the inevitable happens
)
Note: You DO NOT want to injure the scup's spine. This will greatly decrease his life span.
B. & D. * Anywhere near the tail, eventually has him swimming for the surface. The weight of the hook and dragging line forces his tail down which inturn faces him a bit upward. He will take dives from time to time, but the combination of weight with the constant tail action, will mostly turn him, until he gets so tired that he lays flat on the bottom. Once he goes sideways, he's on his way out. This method tires him out faster. Also, if you go with D., be careful not to puncture any organs.
C. * The disadvantage I find with this method is increased gut-hooking. Due to the fact that your using a large bait, you must give the bass enough time to inhale the offering...putting the hook down near her throat, as a bass swallows it's prey head first.
My favorite?
B. Once that scup is halfway in her mouth, I know the hook is just about at jaw level. The bass swallows the scup but takes a small pause as it carefully passes thru into the esophagus. I good 5 count. If the bass stops her run, she may spit it..but don't worry, she may just be repositioning the meal. Let her run again....and this time give a 3 count.
...and like he said above, trimming the tail
will slow him down, but I enjoy a chase, I don't normally trim. I have never trimmed the dorsal. I believe that's just for stability not speed.
..as far as life expectancy. D. B. A. C.
D. = being the shortest
C. = being the longest
hope this helps-