Hookset Issues with Simming Jigs

[Gangley]

I've recently had great luck with KaRu's Vibrashock, and several Omega Pro Structure Jigs used as swimming jigs.  I have been using a medium/fast rod and have had no issues what so ever with hooksets and have had maybe 1 or 2 fish in the past two months jump off.  When simply jigging though, I prefer a MH rod, but swimming the jig I have found that the medium rods are perfect for me because I can feel what the jig and trailer are doing at all times.  Often, I wont feel a bite, I will just notice that the rod quit vibrating/pulsating like it normally does, and I will set the hook and have a bass on the end.  I have had no issues with either lure when swimming them with the medium rod, but I recently bought a Booyah SWIM'N JIG, and I have missed 3 fish in a row.  I feel them, I set the hook, the fight lasts for maye 3-5 seconds, and then its over.  My line goes limp and thats it, no fish.  My trailer has no marks in it from teeth, so I know the lure is being swallowed whole, so the hookset should be doing the job, but its not.  I don't feel as though it is the rod because I have'nt had these issues with the two other jig manufacturers, and my hookset is the same. 

The package says that the hook is a "TX3" so are they just crappy hooks, do I need to adjust my hookset, or is my rod too soft?  If it's the hook, whats the best way to sharpen them, are their actual hook sharpeners that you can buy, or are they just fine grade files?  Any information is greatly appreciated

[Jig Man]

When I swim a jig I rarely set the hook.  I let the fish set it for me.  I use several different sizes of jigs and that brings in several different styles and sizes of hooks.

[Gangley]

Interesting

[Wayne P.]

Try reducing the amount of filaments in the weedguard or spread it apart so the hook point is not as protected with the solid mass of filaments.

[Gangley]

I trimmed it back before ever using it.  I am not fishing weedy areas with it and there was no need for a weedguard so I trimmed it down pretty short before ever making my first cast.

Thats a good guess though, I was thinking maybe I should remove it all together because I dont really need it at all.  Maybe thats the problem...hrmmmm.

[aarogb]

I would either think they are crappy hooks like you said or the weedguard is getting in the way.

Like you said in your last post try getting rid of the weedguard completely on one of your jigs and see if that doesn't improve your catch rate.

[deadeye32.]

What type of line are you using?  I personally like to use mono if the grass is sparce because with braid and sometimes flourocarbon, I think you can rip the bait from the fish mouth.  Just my opinion.

[Gangley]

12 lb Big Game Mono. Not many weeds. I will remove the weed guard entirely and resharpen the hook to see if thats the issue. The more I look at it, the hook seems awfully dull from the factory, won't even scratch my thumbnail. Really surprised that its that dull from the factory.

[basspimple]

try some monsoor jigs from BPS. they dont have very thick skirts, but they are made with gammy hooks and latch on fine with a medium action rod. pretty cheap too.

[eyedabassman]

Or try the new Northstar jigs! They are very sharp hooks and they make a very good looking jig and swim jigs!

[westpalmfrogpunk]

I am using the Powell swim jig rod with braid and find that if you just sweepset like a crank bait I get a more solid hookset . With  a swim jig I find they are getting hooked in the roof of the mouth so a hard hook set could tear right out.  Give the Gambler Southern swim jig a shot. I have caught a few big fish on this jig and it's given me no issues.  The weed guard is thin but still keeps the bait clear.

[Paul Roberts]

A few things that could all help:

-When trimming the guard, don't cut it shorter -that stiffens it. Remove individual fibers until you have the stiffness you feel you need for the cover.

-Sharpen the hook with any small fine-tooth file. Don't need to over sharpen. It only has to stick into your thumbnail. With the correct angle (low across point from behind), one swipe with the file should do it. When you resharpen, use another side of the point. This will allow a bunch of sharpenings before the hook is done for.

-One mistake I make occasionally, is to point the rod at the jig as I retrieve. This costs me fish as I don't feel them as quickly (important with a jig) and slows my reaction time (to move line quickly enough). I try to keep the rod at close to a 90deg angle to the line, either tip up, or off to one side.

-The vast majority of the fish I miss are smalls, that either grab the pork or just don't get hooked.

-Smallmouth, on some days, are notorious "biters" -meaning they bite rather than engulf like LMs more commonly do. I downsize when this is happening.

-Last, some hook designs do not set or hold as well. A 0-deg eye round bend can have this effect -the eye and point not traveling in line. This is not always bad, just something to be aware of in playing fish -I'm not apt to pull as hard until I see hook placement. The Mango jig is such an animal, but WELL worth the few losses I attribute to hook angle.

[Gangley]

thanks again for all the replies guys, VERY imformative

[Paul Roberts]

12 lb Big Game Mono. Not many weeds. I will remove the weed guard entirely and resharpen the hook to see if thats the issue. The more I look at it, the hook seems awfully dull from the factory, won't even scratch my thumbnail. Really surprised that its that dull from the factory.

OMGosh...there it is. Dangerous sharp hooks are imperative with jigs. I think your problem is solved.

It used to be that all hooks needed sharpening from the factory. Nowadays we're spoiled as top name hooks are good to adequate from the factory. Always check them though, and make sure they will stick into your thumbnail before you fish with it.