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When you get bit it may be very subtle. Be sure not to swing or try to set hook. Just start winding up very slow but steady. The rod tip will load up but still do not swing or try to bury hook. Just keep winding steady and get flat face moving up. You will be shocked at how nice size butt initially may seem like kelp with no head and tail movement. When they realize they are in trouble and run then hook will bury and you will get to know feel of butt.
Sharpen your hooks, drop back a bit and let butt swallow bait when you get tapped. I try to use no more then 15# fluro as leader!
So you may be getting butt bites but pulling the baits out or off hook! And of course some butts normally the smaller and younger just commit suicide and inhale your bait!
Try over by the shallow-rock markers by North Island. Been getting butts there for years. Remember they ambush baits in tidal movement. So they will be facing into the current just like birds face into wind.
What is really fun is when you get color, butt is ready to be taken by net or gaff and you see a second butt following up the one you are hooked up to. Take your first shot at unhooked butt if it looks legal and let hooked butt run. I use light drag and thumb spool so as to avoid disaster. You get a feel....Lots of fun...
Hang in there you are sure to get one soon!
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