One thing that I found that worked for me was switching to a 7 foot glass cranking rod. I use the bass pro crankin stick made for bass crank baits. It has a softer tip that gives on a head shake. Line is 12 pound fluorocarbon made by P-line. I set my drag to only retrieve if the fish isn't pulling. If he makes a run it will pull drag but won't tear lips open or pull the hook. Hope this helps.