I do not use stingers or any kind of trailer hooks on my rigs. I use a single 1/0 hook on the rigs I tie up. I just fish them the same as I do using weight forward spinners. Did they shake off at the boat, or a ways out? I like to use light and medium- light rods for eyes so I can stay on the retrieve hard and let my drag do the work if needed while keeping plenty of rod tension on the lure/hookset. Dont be afraid to put some ass in your hookset, the lighter rod gives me the liberty of doing so without ripping lure out of their mouths. It also helps me net the fish when I'm solo having the rod bent in half. Good luck