Is My Line Too Light For Jigs?

[TNBassin']

I've been using 10# Red Label for my worms and jigs. I fish mostly open water/rocky bluffs and haven't had any issues so far, but a buddy thinks I'm nuts for going that light. I mainly throw 1/2oz jigs and worms with a 3/16oz weight and so far so good. I've always heard to fish with as light of a line as you can and it's served me well so far. Should I keep on keepin on with 10 or go up to 12-14?

[JGBassinAL]

If you feel comfortable with 10 lb then throw it. I usually throw my 1/2 oz jigs on 14 lb and my 3/4 oz jigs on 16 lb, but if it ain't broke don't fix it. The 10 lb is perfect for 3/16 t-rigs imo.

[A-Jay]

Use braid.

 

A-Jay

[JGBassinAL]

Pretty sure he fishes clear lakes in Tennessee if he fishes part of the Tennessee River System, as I do in Alabama. I wouldn't throw braid or braid with a leader for that matter. I would go straight fluoro with whatever lb test you want. If the 10 starts to break on you, then go on up in size. 

[TNBassin']

Yeah no need for braid here on Douglas Lake. I wish it was needed, as that would mean we actually have some cover/vegetation.

[F14A-B]

Well I will use Redlabel around soft cover, but rocks destroy it fast for me, I use either Yozuri hybrid or Pline CXX, in these line types, larger diameter is you're friend. If its working for you, why change?

[JGBassinAL]

Yeah no need for braid here on Douglas Lake. I wish it was needed, as that would mean we actually have some cover/vegetation.

 

What I would give for some mats and lily pads! Good thing Guntersville is only 1 hour away from me 

[Cgrinder]

If 10's working, I'd continue to use it. No sense in creating a problem where there isn't one. 

[Tywithay]

I use 12lb Shooter on rocky banks and 15lb Tatsu around timber and weeds. Hate braid.

[WRB]

Standard 1/2 oz jig with guard uses a heavy (.055-.060D) wire 3/0-4/0 hook and difficult to get a good hook set using 10 lb FC or copolymer line. IF the jig doesn't have a weed guard and uses a 3/0-4/0 medium (.040-046D) wire hook than 8 to 12 lb FC or copolymer line is OK.

I make my own 7/16 oz jig, Gamakatsu #114, 5/0 hook and use 10 lb FC a lot for giant bass in deep clear structure lakes. Right hook and line combo work great.

Tom

[MarkH024]

There are plenty of crystal clear lakes up here in the north and a lot of guys use braid on most outfits.  We have no problem getting bit so it really shouldn't be an issue, so like A-jay suggested, that is what I would do.  I'm not worried about bass seeing the line, I'm more worried about feeling even the subtlest of bites. My .02 on that.

 

If you prefer to stay with Fluoro, I'd get into the 14# test range for jigs, especially around docks and wood. I'm not big on using fluoro over 17# so that would be my max.

[FishTank]

I use 15lb Trilene 100% FC for jigs and punching the heavy stuff.  I never been fan of braid but it has it's place.   Even though I don't tend to fish it much, I would still consider it for your application.

[iabass8]

nancies....I fish 20# fluoro on 2 jigs rods and  t rig rod. the other has 15. I'm always throwing in laydowns and brush though in backwaters. If I were fishing deep, clear waters i'd probably opt for 10-12. If you aren't breaking off or constantly getting line frays, I wouldn't worry too much about it. 

[kickerfish1]

Most of my bottom contact rods use #12 lb tatsu, shooter, or sniper. I have used #15 before but it isn't my favorite. I settled on 12# for several reasons. First the heavier line has a tendency to be stiffer and less manageable and it usually equates to being less user friendly in the end. Second is essentially the opposite of the first in that it handles better and I seem to get better overall casting distance. Lastly most of my reels are smaller frame Shimano and Daiwa reels where line capacity isn't very much. I have zero issues with abrasion resistance, break offs, and knot failure. The only way I lose a fish on #12 floro would be my own stupidity. I have straightened hooks on some jigs and texas rigs before the line or knot failed.

 

I have ran #10 to #15 on casting reels with good results. However I now almost exclusively fish #12.

[DTack]

I would keep it simple.  If you're not breaking off on a hookset or missing fish because you're scared to set the hook I don't see a reason to change.

[TheSmilingSwordsman]

I use 30lb braid with a 12lb leader. We don't have have much in the way of cover either but I am a noob when it comes to bass fishing so take it for what it's worth.

[5dollarsplash]

If your fine with it, no reason to change. 

 

.....however I agree with A-Jay and Mark on braid.  Clear or murky, I prefer the feel and manageability of braid.

[TNBassin']

I have 2 new spools of 10# red label I bought for my Curados, so I can take one back and swap it for 12#. Not sure 12# red label is night and day different manageability wise than 10.