Advice for jig set-up

[maherme]

Hello people,

 

The winter is coming and with cold water I used my favourite lure, the jig. This year I want to add a new casting set-up for jig. I have a MH fast action in 6'6'' (lures range 3/8 - 1oz) and an Abu Garcia Revo SX-L, I think the first model (6.4:1, 8.7oz).

The thing is although the rod is MH, it is difficult for me to hook basses with jig heavier than 1/2 oz (I use fluorocarbon line, not braid), so I am thinking to buy a heavy fast or extra fast action rod for fishing with jig between 1/2 and 1 oz and move to use braid line instead fluorocarbon.

Some options in rods are St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass 7' or 7'4'' H fast action or maybe I will move a bit down with St. Croix Avid 7' H fast action (if you think the quality of avid in terms of sensibility and durability are really good). Other brand I am considering is Dobyns in champlion xp line, maybe 7' Mag heavy (DC705C) or 7'3'' Mag heavy extra fast action (DC735C). What do you think about? Maybe are too power for my purpose (I read you usually go with MH for jigs) or is it better a longer rod to avoid the "hook issue" as 7'6''?. I am considering high quality rods due to I will use this equipment in deep water so I want to get as best sensibility as I can.

For the reel, my experience with the abu revo sx-l is really good, for me is like a tank, really durable (I have one for more than 6 years and it is smooth, cast perfect and I haven't any issue with it, it is like a new one), so I am thinking to buy a new revo4 sx model in 7.3:1 speed (have you tested this reel with good results?); but I doubt if Shimano Curado 201 XGK is better reel in general, and it is faster than abu and maybe better also for this purpose. Do you think these reels are balanced with the kind of rod I am looking or I should go to a lighter one?. Other brand I can find easily is Daiwa ... (maybe any Daiwa Tatula was better?).

 

As you can see I have a few doubts with this set-up ?, so any help or experience with these equipments are welcome.

 

Thanks a lot and regards,

[WRB]

You have lots to deal with! 

Do you cast over 30 yards and work the jig back on the bottom or make shorter casts to targets? Poor hook set ratio to strikes with heavier jigs indicates you are not getting enough force applied to the jig or dull hooks. The FC line isn't the problem unless it breaks during hook sets, what # test?

Your choice of reel is something that only you can resolve. Nearly 9 oz reel today is heavy for a size 200. If the rod balances where you hold it without a reel it will balance with a reel if the fulcrum (balance) point is where you hold it.

Rods in the budget range you indicate with Dobyns XP or St Croix Lengend Tournament gives you a lot of options, both of those brands are good choices.

Tom

 

[maherme]

With this set-up I use 12 or 14 lb fluorocarbon line, but for the new one, I want to try 30 lb braid in order to get more sensibility and hook the fish easier.

[WRB]

Do you plan on using a leader with the braid?

I am not a fan of braid unless fishing heavy cover or a fan of FC line do to random knot failures as a characteristic of FC line that can't be overcome.

I have no problem with hook sets casting jigs between 30 to 50 yards do to the technique that I developed that suits my style of jig fishing, search Old School Horizontal Jigging, somewhere on this site. Basically I use a reel set with a firm rod sweep*, meaning I crank the line tight and sweep set, when casting jigs a longer distance.

My line size is usually around 11/ 12 lb test in sparse cover. At night I go up to 19 lb test making shorter casts usually 20 to 30 yards because bass are less wary at night where I fish.

When I use braid it's shorter casts into heavy cover and the traditional snap set works good for me.

Reels my suggestion is either Daiwa or Shimano both are very good reliable baitcasting reels in whatever price point you choose.

Rods, I use ALX custom rods similar to the Zolo Deputy.

Good luck with your decisions,

Tom

PS, line Sunline Shooter FC or Defier Armillo Nylon, braid FINS.

*Greg Hackney vedio that discribes this hook set technique.

[maherme]

Thanks for your answer Tom, I really appreciate it!.

 

What about leght in a rod for jig, do you think 7' is enough or it will be better 7'3'' or 7'6''?.

 

[WRB]

I use 6'10" jig rod for casting jigs, it's personal preference.

Tom

[junyer357]

I use a 7' mh-f avid with an 8:1 tatula ctspolled with 20# flouro for casting and pitching 3/8 and 1/2 jigs. Its also rates to 1oz. I have thrown 3/4 jigs on it but shy away from doing it often. If i use most any of my trailers on it it pushes the lure weight over the limit. Im planning to get a 7' h-f avid (3/8-1.5oz) this winter for throwing heavier jigs. Then i can leave a 3/8 on my current set up at all times. 

 

Rod length is a personal preference, as WRB stated above. Some like longer rods for extra leverage on casting distance, as well as picking up slack if fish runs to you. Shorter rods tend to be more accurate for precision casts though. Find whats comfortable and fita your style. 

 

One thing to consider on throwing bigger jigs is keeping slack up at all times, hence the 8:1 reel for me. Picks and keeps slack up better and faster. This increases sensitivity as well as helps in hookset. Too much slack on hookset and you can blow fishes mouth open with mass of the head on larger jigs. I do a quick, sharp jerk, but only moving my arm around 30-45 degrees at elbow, enough to load rod, but im not trying to flip fish over the boat on hookset either. 

[Catt]

@WRB nailed it pretty good  ?

 

Going to a longer rod will definitely help.

 

Many anglers down here have gone back up to 17-20# monofilament & fluorocarbon.

 

SeaguarTatsu & Sunline JDM FC Sniper Invisible are the two most popular.

[ChrisD46]

14 hours ago, WRB said:

Do you plan on using a leader with the braid?

I am not a fan of braid unless fishing heavy cover or a fan of FC line do to random knot failures as a characteristic of FC line that can't be overcome.

I have no problem with hook sets casting jigs between 30 to 50 yards do to the technique that I developed that suits my style of jig fishing, search Old School Horizontal Jigging, somewhere on this site. Basically I use a reel set with a firm rod sweep*, meaning I crank the line tight and sweep set, when casting jigs a longer distance.

My line size is usually around 11/ 12 lb test in sparse cover. At night I go up to 19 lb test making shorter casts usually 20 to 30 yards because bass are less wary at night where I fish.

When I use braid it's shorter casts into heavy cover and the traditional snap set works good for me.

Reels my suggestion is either Daiwa or Shimano both are very good reliable baitcasting reels in whatever price point you choose.

Rods, I use ALX custom rods similar to the Zolo Deputy.

Good luck with your decisions,

Tom

PS, line Sunline Shooter FC or Defier Armillo Nylon, braid FINS.

*Greg Hackney vedio that discribes this hook set technique.

*Not a fan of FC line - would you go with a co-poly (brand ?) in #12 lb. to #15 lb. for say dragging football jigs on long casts with bare gravel / rock bottoms ?

[LionHeart]

20 hours ago, maherme said:

With this set-up I use 12 or 14 lb fluorocarbon line, but for the new one, I want to try 30 lb braid in order to get more sensibility and hook the fish easier.

Braid will help tremendously with hook sets if you are currently using flourocarbon.  I'd even recommend giving it a try before switching rods.  You may be surprised.

 

I was in the same boat at one point.   Switched too a heavier,  faster rod, and then started using braid.   Sold the heavier faster rod for something lighter and slower.   Braid makes a difference

[maherme]

I think, as you commented, that braid can improve "the hook" of the sep-up. I think I will go for the reel first and it will try with my actual MH casting rod. I was watching the Daiwa Tatula SV TSW in 8.1:1 gear ratio yesterday, and I think I will get one, it is lighter than curado k and I think it is a really good quality reel and durable. I will put the braid in it and I will keep my old abu as an all-round reel. Later, I will get a new rod with a power and action depending on my experience with the braid.

[LionHeart]

6 hours ago, maherme said:

I think, as you commented, that braid can improve "the hook" of the sep-up. I think I will go for the reel first and it will try with my actual MH casting rod. I was watching the Daiwa Tatula SV TSW in 8.1:1 gear ratio yesterday, and I think I will get one, it is lighter than curado k and I think it is a really good quality reel and durable. I will put the braid in it and I will keep my old abu as an all-round reel. Later, I will get a new rod with a power and action depending on my experience with the braid.

I think you will be presently surprised by the change braid will make.  Flouro has a lot of stretch, especially at the end of a cast, where as braid has almost zero.  

 

Also, I think going to a faster reel will absolutely help keep the fish pinned.  Switching to an 8 speed made a noticeable difference for me.

[new2BC4bass]

Can't help with rods in that price range.  You might look at the ALX 7'4" Zolo Heavy Dragger.  I bought the Deputy and Toadface last year as Christmas presents for myself, but haven't been out fishing more than a couple times this year.  Depressing.    Liking them so far.

 

I have a Gen1 STX-L that I like a lot.  Been a very good reel for me.  The Gen2 models were suppose to be even better.  Gen3s were a disappointment to many.  I read good things about the Gen4s.  Not trying to talk you out of a Daiwa.  I own more of that brand than any other.  I don't think you need the SV model unless you plan on skipping with it.  However, the SV is a very nice reel.  It holds more than enough 12# co-polymer for me.  I can't make 100 yard casts.    I also like its finish.

 

I wouldn't go with 30# braid without a leader if the area you fish requires a line with abrasion resistance.  I'd go at least 50# braid in that case.  Braid is not known for it abrasion resistance.  Heavier is better.  As stated, braid should help with hooksets on your current rod.  A brother-in-law fishes 40# braid on whippy spinning rods, and misses few fish on hooksets using 5/0 hooks and 10 inch ribbontail worms.  He doesn't use any leaders.

[LionHeart]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Can't help with rods in that price range.  You might look at the ALX 7'4" Zolo Heavy Dragger.  I bought the Deputy and Toadface last year as Christmas presents for myself, but haven't been out fishing more than a couple times this year.  Depressing.    Liking them so far.

 

I have a Gen1 STX-L that I like a lot.  Been a very good reel for me.  The Gen2 models were suppose to be even better.  Gen3s were a disappointment to many.  I read good things about the Gen4s.  Not trying to talk you out of a Daiwa.  I own more of that brand than any other.  I don't think you need the SV model unless you plan on skipping with it.  However, the SV is a very nice reel.  It holds more than enough 12# co-polymer for me.  I can't make 100 yard casts.    I also like its finish.

 

I wouldn't go with 30# braid without a leader if the area you fish requires a line with abrasion resistance.  I'd go at least 50# braid in that case.  Braid is not known for it abrasion resistance.  Heavier is better.  As stated, braid should help with hooksets on your current rod.  A brother-in-law fishes 40# braid on whippy spinning rods, and misses few fish on hooksets using 5/0 hooks and 10 inch ribbontail worms.  He doesn't use any leaders.

What do you think of the Deputy? 

[new2BC4bass]

As I stated, I have only been out a couple times this year.  I had several other new rods (and reels) with me so didn't get to spend much time with any of them.  It is a well built rod.  Not fancy, just solid.  I like it so far.  Bought it because it is suppose to be a very versatile rod.

 

Been working a second job for over a year now.  Even though I wanted to get out on the few good weekend days we've had I was just too tired.  Doesn't help that I have to drive 35-50 minutes (depending on where I go) to get to a lake.  I don't have a way anymore to take my Porta-Bote with me so I am stuck fishing from the bank where fishing pressure is very high.  Which means I don't catch many (if any) when I do go.  Very depressing.

[Matt_3479]

It’s a tough choice. And I am very new to jig fishing and will be what I practice most next season but here is what I’ve come to find so far.

 

to start braid made a big difference when I switched from fc. I use 30lb and 50lbs braid, with and without leaders. 

 

as far as reels go, I have extremely limited experience with abu but do currently own and fish a curado K and tatula sv. I personally much prefer my curado. Not that the tatula is bad, I just like the feel, the way it casts, feels smoother on the retrieve and feels more refined. I bought one of each as my first two casting reels and now own 4 shimano’s And still only the 1 daiwa. Wanting to try a zillion but metanium first lol. 7 or 8 gear ratio helps massively as your trying to pick up slack as your working your jig.

 

as far as rods I’ve tried from finesse jigs to 1 oz jigs and I’ve fished them on a 7’1” medium extra fast glx, 7’ MH fast kistler helium, 7’3” dobyns 734c, 7’2” mh regular daiwa zillion, 7’5” glx 894c, to a 7’6” heavy extra fast in a brand i can’t mention. I’ve tried a couple this season. For me the longer stouter Rods made it way easier to control the fish. My hook set was way more powerful and never lost a fish on a good bite. The shorter lighter rods made it harder on hook sets but sometimes easier to detect bite on the lighter rod. I’m the end I went with as my main jig rod the glx 894c which is a heavy fast. Loads of power, great tip and super sensitive! Longer rod to better control fish and length of cast but one of the most sensitive rods I own to help detect bites. 

 

The avid series rods are excellent bang for buck. That’s a lot of rod for the price, and there blanks are generally very durable and sensitive for there value! I find st. Croix’s a little tip heavy but awesome rods.