Jigging Lines

[tbone1993]

I know some guys that jig with 20lb fluorocarbon and some who use 65lb braid. Does anyone have an input on what works best? Also 7.0 ratio bait caster or 8.0 ? Is a 7.0 more versitile than an 8.0? I was told the 8.0 might be just too fast.

[Siebert Outdoors]

There is a lot of preference in that question. As far as line I rarely use over 30lb braid. Mostly 15lb flouro.

As far as the reel. I use the reel to just pick up the slack. So would a 8 be too fast. No.

[Arv]

I use 50# Power Pro, usually tied straight (no leader). I really only use FC on spinning set ups. Just personal preference. For gear ratios, I use 6._:1 and 7._:1. I personally don't feel like that makes a huge difference.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Personally I prefer the sensitivity of braid. I see the argument for fluoro on slack line presentations, but I'm a line watcher and haven't made the jump there. One thing I learned from bed fishing, is that we all must miss lots of bites because a fish can inhale and spit a bait before you can react even by site. As for reels, again it's just a preference and mine is for a faster reel. Keep in mind though that the 8:1 and 7:1 may have the same IPT (Inches of line retrieved Per Turn of the handle)case in point: the Revo MGX and STX HS have different ratios but identical IPT.

[Christian M]

I like to use 12-17lb Flouro depending on water clarity & jig weight. Most of the time ill have 12lb Berkley transition spooled up on a 7.0:1 reel.

[iabass8]

What works best for me may not work for you. Trial amd error is the only way you will find out. Personally i like 12-15lb fluoro /w a 7:x reel.

[LgMouthGambler]

A 7._ ratio reel, 50-65# braid, and a H action 7'6 rod. Done

[tbone1993]

A 7._ ratio reel, 50-65# braid, and a H action 7'6 rod. Done

So I have the reel down but you really prefer a H over a mh? I think that I will lose a lot of the sensitivity. Can you name a rod sub $200 that is suitable?

[tbone1993]

I use 50# Power Pro, usually tied straight (no leader). I really only use FC on spinning set ups. Just personal preference. For gear ratios, I use 6._:1 and 7._:1. I personally don't feel like that makes a huge difference.

I use FC for crank baits around a 12lb, I have jigged with 12lb and it works but I want to be able to cast into some thick brush and stuff like that. Will braid scare off a fish though? Being visible?

[iabass8]

So I have the reel down but you really prefer a H over a mh? I think that I will lose a lot of the sensitivity. Can you name a rod sub $200 that is suitable?

Heavy rating varies from company to company but unless uou are using the rod for thick stuff then most rod manufactures MH rod will do just great.

[tbone1993]

Heavy rating varies from company to company but unless uou are using the rod for thick stuff then most rod manufactures MH rod will do just great.

I have a 7'mh but i want the rod for flipping and pitching and to be able to use it in thick stuff and open water

[iabass8]

Heavy would be more suitable for you then.

[Arv]

I use FC for crank baits around a 12lb, I have jigged with 12lb and it works but I want to be able to cast into some thick brush and stuff like that. Will braid scare off a fish though? Being visible?

Not from my experience. I do fish mostly stained/muddy waters though. If it were clear I might tie on a leader.

[Bankbeater]

A lot of the lakes that I fish have heavy pressure on them. Even with a leader I have found that while braid is nice for fishing in the weeds it tends to spook the fish in these lakes.

[LgMouthGambler]

Heavy yes, for me anyway. Down here in FL we are flipping into heavy hydrilla mats and reeds. We need the backbone to haul 8#+ bass out of cover. If your not in real thick stuff then a MH may due you well. As far as the fish seeing the line while jigging, its more of a reaction bite. If anything you could take a black marker and color strips on the line.

[Arv]

I agree with LMG on the rod power. If you're plunging into a jungle of weeds/grass, get a H power rod. If not, a MH should do just fine. I don't fish the thick vegetation he does, so I use a 7' MH/F Veritas and a 6'9 MH/F Veritas for my jig fishing.

[BASSclary]

I use straight braid for this application, the sheer strength is a plus and the fact that it slices through vegetation is a plus. Pair it with a heavy rod, and a high IPT reel, and you've got yourself a nice flipping/pitching stick.

As far as a nice rod for under 2 bones, take a strong look at both the Powell Max and Endurance. They're essentially the same, but the endurance has a size smaller guides for a kinda micro advantage, but they're not micros. Other than that, the only difference is color.

Check out my review I posted of Powell rods here, use the search function. IMO, they are the VERY best out there for under $200, and some above.