I see this so often and I admit that it’s a pet peeve of mine.
It drives me crazy when I see someone hook into a trout by rearing back on the rod, holding it up as high as they can into the air and then reeling as fast as they can. If this is you then do I have news for you:
IT IS JUST A SPECKLED TROUT
It is not Godzilla or Mike Tyson. Trout have weak mouths and, unless you’re into premature catch-and-release, you will risk losing the fish. What if it’s a seven pound speckled trout? I would feel like a dummy if I lost that! I have seen some customers do this and they have lost a LOT of trout. Freaking out over a fish isn’t going to help you get more.
I think the over-reactive hook setting isn’t a good technique so much as it’s just a psychological reaction – a “feel good” thing. People like pulling on the rod and feeling something pull back. I know because I like it! But I also like boating the fish! So if this is you, then reconsider what you’re doing. It may be one of those things that have kept you from getting your limit.