Too Heavy Line for a small jig?

[FishNTell]

I'm going to try out a smaller profile jig with a 2/0 hook. I've read some say with smaller hooks you have to worry about bending the hook out and I want to avoid it. I have 30 lb test braid to a 12 lb mono leader on my baitcaster, is that too heavy for this kind of jig? I'll be bank fishing a pond for bass if that matters. Any help is appreciated

[Michigander]

The line doesn't bend the hook, the rod and reel do. If your drag is set correctly, then you won't have a problem.

[islandbass]

Smaller hook doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be weak and get bent out of shape. The gauge of the wire is more indicative. 
 

However, as @Michigandermentioned, a properly set drag pretty much makes your concern null and moot. 

[FishNTell]

14 minutes ago, Michigander said:

The line doesn't bend the hook, the rod and reel do. If your drag is set correctly, then you won't have a problem.

Oh, thank you for clarifying that. It's a strike king bitsy bug and it's a pretty thin hook. I'm using a medium heavy baitcaster. Could you share how I need to set my drag? I'm pretty new to bass fishing

[bulldog1935]

Best way to set your drag is a spring scale, straight shot to the reel through the first guide.  

You want to set your drag to No More than One-Quarter of your weakest link, line, leader, or rod max line rating.  

 

In your case, might want to guess a little lighter to protect the hook wire. 

[Michigander]

 

2 hours ago, FishNTell said:

Oh, thank you for clarifying that. It's a strike king bitsy bug and it's a pretty thin hook. I'm using a medium heavy baitcaster. Could you share how I need to set my drag? I'm pretty new to bass fishing

I do some heavy line and light wire jig fishing. When I set my drag, I make it relative to the hook strength, not the line. To do this, take a digital fish scale and attach to your jig hook. Pull against the scale and jig. Note the pounds of force necessary to flex the hook, set your drag to be less than that force.

[waymont]

9 hours ago, FishNTell said:

Oh, thank you for clarifying that. It's a strike king bitsy bug and it's a pretty thin hook. I'm using a medium heavy baitcaster. Could you share how I need to set my drag? I'm pretty new to bass fishing

The Bitsy Bug has a somewhat light hook and weed guard , they also make a jig that is almost the same with a thicker hook and weed guard called the Bitsy Flip. It has a nice Mustad hook, that is much stronger than the original. I use it with 17 and 20lb line and have never bent one out. It's a favorite jig of mine. Get a few!

[Deleted account]

If it's a light wire hook you can bend it out with 30 lb braid, but a fish can only pull as hard as you do, It takes 2 jerks...

[Bankbeater]

I fish 1/8 ounce Bitsy Bugs on a mh rod with 15# mono. I set my drag tight enough to pull it out of the weeds.