Straightened Jig Hooks

[Tokyo Tony]

The setup I usually use when I'm pitching jigs into the thick stuff is 7' casting rod with 50lb Power Pro tied directly to the jig.  When I've been getting hung up on branches on a nice spot, I've been just forcing the jig off of the branches instead of moving in and spooking the fish.  The problem is that this straightens the hook out, so I end up putting on a new jig for fear that if I bend the hook back it will be too weak.  Anyway, I have about a dozen perfectly good jigs, but the hooks are bent out too far.  Do you guys think it would be ok to bend them back and keep using them, or should I salvage the skirts and just add the jigheads to my box of Christmas tree decorations?

I might add that all the jigs have high quality hooks - I don't know if that makes a difference...any advice is appreciated.

[TournyFish001]

If tournament money is not on the line use them again see what happens-

[Jimzee]

I have done it before, proceed with caution. I hooked a large bass this past spring on one that I bent back down and you guessed it, she came unbuttoned. Got the jig back in and the hook was bent wide open. On small fish it will probably be okay, larger ones like in the DD range, I would not recommend it. Live and learn. :-[

[Branuss04]

If tournament money is not on the line use them again see what happens-

BINGO!!!

[roadwarrior]

If it really doesn't matter that much to you whether you land the fish that bite, the jigs are just fine.

I would NEVER re-use a "single" hook that has been bent and when it happens on a treble, I will replace that hook as soon as possible.

Think about this: You may only get one shot at "The Fish of a Lifetime."  

[Siebert Outdoors]

I usually get 2-3 rebends out of them before I snap the hook in 2.  It also depends on how far the hook bent and where.  I have yet to lose a jig fish or worm hook fish on a rebent hook.  The time it will break for me is when I'm bending it back or get hung and try to pull it free.  

[.dsaavedra.]

yeah i just say use it. if you get bit and then break off the hook or it straigtens out, so what, its just one fish, not like you just lost 5grand cuz of that fish. maybe they will be just fine! i say use and it and find out.

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I think I may salvage the skirts and dump the jigheads.  I just don't want to take any chances, especially because at least one of you has had straightened and rebent hooks snap before.  I have no problem rebending worm hooks because I usually have the drag set around 6 or 7 pounds with my spinning setup, but with my jig setup the drag is maxed out.  I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I lost a PB because I wanted to save a few bucks...

Tight lines  

[Yodie]

Why do you max out your drag when fishing jigs?