Not sure that's the whole story.

So what about backtrolling and backbouncing? If done right, the boat continues to move downriver thru-out the strike. Yes, technically the boat is moving downriver, but at less than current speed, so part of the current is still helping to keep things tight for you. You're not really losing tension.

Two of the three fish I hooked, line was leaving the reel when they came unbuttoned. The third toad just wallowed under the surface without budging (no gyrations, no violent head shakes) about two rod lengths port of the drifter, and the rod was bent to the corks.... suddenly, pop went the hook! Go figure!

I'll stick with the "not enough meat" theory for now. But if the situation makes a nasty habit of repeating itself, I might have to concede to trying another hook. Doubt it.