Yep. On top of that Cutlips are very selective with pebble size, so if you see a mound with small evenly sized pebbles then it’s likely a Cutlips. Other local chubs will make mounds out of a broad range of pebble sizes habitat permitting.
Shorter the line the better to an extent so long as you aren't spooking off bites in the first place. What's most helpful imo is finding a balance between having strong enough hook set to make up for not hooking into any weight but also not being too hard. Usually this is a flick that's on the firmer side than expected, especially if the rod is also underwater. Setting the hook in the direction of land helps a lot as well for some of the more difficult-mouthed species that are prone to immediately fall off the hook.
Didn't realize cutlips build mounds!
Yep. On top of that Cutlips are very selective with pebble size, so if you see a mound with small evenly sized pebbles then it’s likely a Cutlips. Other local chubs will make mounds out of a broad range of pebble sizes habitat permitting.
what's the trick to setting the hook on fish that are too light to get any kind of tension? shorter amount of line between the hook and the rod?
Shorter the line the better to an extent so long as you aren't spooking off bites in the first place. What's most helpful imo is finding a balance between having strong enough hook set to make up for not hooking into any weight but also not being too hard. Usually this is a flick that's on the firmer side than expected, especially if the rod is also underwater. Setting the hook in the direction of land helps a lot as well for some of the more difficult-mouthed species that are prone to immediately fall off the hook.