Only time when you really want to use clickers is when you are not attending to that particular rod or at night. This happens in some states were you are allowed to use 3 rods apiece. Good rod holders are a key otherwise. If you do use clickers, loosen up the drag so that it will barely hold the bait in place if you are in current for example. Otherwise in still water, set it at a very light setting. Get in the habit of automatically flipping the clickers off when you pick up the rod.

Now, if you don’t have time or forget to shut them off while you see the rod tip getting a good bite and you need to set the hook right away, just grab the whole forearm with the line under your fingers and set the hook with a quick snap. Mean while you are turning off the clicker and grab the middle part of the handle of your pole with your other hand. Then you can release the line so you wont burn up your fingers and slide your hand down to hold the rod while you start reeling it in. This is not hard to do and takes just a matter of a few seconds. Holding that line will ensure you a good hook set is the key.