Keeping Bass Hooked on Jig???

[Jimzee]

Guys and Gals,

I have been known to give advice a time or two on jig fishing to other members. This is my favorite way to fish in the spring. Now I need advice as well. I am having a very hard time keeping larger bass hooked once I set the hook. I don't have any trouble at all keeping the smaller ones hooked. Larger fish (4-6 lbs.) are throwing the jig on the first jump. If I try to set the hook any harder I will fall out of the boat. ;D The jig I'm using is a Tru-Tungsten 3/8 oz. with a 4/0 hook and trailer. I can't figure it out so maybe someone on here has experienced the same thing before. I guess it may be a run of bad luck but in two weeks I have lost about 15 fish that were 4lbs. or better. :'( I need help!!! BTW, I'm fishing flooded timber and brush.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Have you tried NOT setting it harder?  Just a nice upsweeping pop is all I give it.   And definitely not over applying the pressure after that either, this may only increase the hole, affording her the opportunity to throw it and as I'm sure you've noticed,hehehe, they often catch it perfectly in the lip or roof of the mouth.  If you happen to get the part of the lip with the thin membrane and not the jaw, you can make a pretty good size hole with too much of a hookset.

Just some thoughts.

Usually, getting the bite is the hard part in this game we call fishing,...but as we see, time and time again, the variables just never cease!

[spotaholic]

Just my thoughts because I was having the same problem for a little while. The change that I made that seems to be working for now is changing to a line with less stretch. It seems to be helping with a more solid hookset. I am using Gama FC. I seem to be losing less fish and more specific the bigger jig fish. IMO

[FatBoy]

I'm no expert with jigs...far from it.  But when I'm losing fish it seems like it's usually cause I'm setting the hook too hard.  When I do manage to land one I find a big hole in that thin membrane LBH was talking about and think I was lucky to get that one in.  That's when I remember to calm down a little and try not to rip its face off on the hook set.  

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I went through the same spell last year for about a 6 week span.  I was losing about 50% of the bigger fish I hooked on the first jump like you mentioned including what I estimate would have been my biggest one of last year.  It was really bothering me.  Then the first solid fish I hooked up with this year spit it on the jump as well.  I was really getting worried so I asked a similar question.  I came to the conclusion that I was being too careful.  Don't think about.  Just keep the pressure on them and get them in.  It's amazing when you start thinking about something you don't want to happen, it seems like you start trying to do too much and chit ends up happening.  If you have never had this problem before, I bet a lot of it is a mental thing.

[RecMar8541]

I used to fish alot for those rocket fired smallies, many of which I am convinced had a pilots license.  One thing to consider as well is the jumping itself.  If your problem occurs when the fish is jumping, try some tactics to hold them under.  I actually used to drop to my knees and stick the rod part way underwater.  this helped me a ton to stop the lift off.  Some other suggestions include line with less stretch, just a quick flip of the wrist is generally plenty, and less stretch means less slack.

Best of luck to you!

Recon

[Painter Dude]

I'm no expert with jigs...far from it. But when I'm losing fish it seems like it's usually cause I'm setting the hook too hard. When I do manage to land one I find a big hole in that thin membrane LBH was talking about and think I was lucky to get that one in. That's when I remember to calm down a little and try not to rip its face off on the hook set.

HHMMMM Very Intresting!!!!

[ring fry]

I am completely convinced that sometimes fish, especially larger fish, will inhale the bait, clamp on to it, and then simply let go when they decide it's not what they want without the hook ever being embedded.  I've seen this too many times, not only with jigs, but with soft plastics and even crank and spinner baits.  Only other thing I think you can do is be sure and trim the weed guard.  I usually start at the point of the hook and trim it at an angle to about 1/4" past the hook.  Just my 2 cents.

[Catt]

I am completely convinced that sometimes fish, especially larger fish, will inhale the bait, clamp on to it, and then simply let go when they decide it's not what they want without the hook ever being embedded. I've seen this too many times, not only with jigs, but with soft plastics and even crank and spinner baits. .

I've seen this on Rat-L-Traps where there is a perfect impression of the bass's teeth around the top of the bait.

[grimlin]

HI everybody new here,

I have just started using jigs this year and i rarely feel the bite,therefore i don't set the hook hard.When i do feel a tight line i tug a little bit but just enough to set the hook.I've gotten my PB SM 14 incher and LM 17 incher,both were nice and fat already this year.I've never set the hook hard on my jigs yet,rather i'll regret it near the future only time will tell.Could it be because i'm using a stiffer rod and doesn't require much hookset?

[Cephkiller]

This ahs happened to me in the past and was happening to me often the the past few weeks.  I finally landed a decent fish and noticed the hook was through the membrane on the roof of the mouth and the point was back through on the inside.  There wasn't a lot holding that hook in.  I slightly opened up the hook point and every fish since has had the point all the way through the roof of the mouth as it should be.  That may be worth a try.

[roadwarrior]

grimlin,

Welcome aboard!

Regarding losing fish:

I don't think a jig is much different than any other single hook lure. The hook-set you should use is a "snap-set" or sometimes called a "quick-set." Snap your wrist, moving the rod tip only. The butt of your rod should remain stationary relative to your body. NEVER "double set." Maintain constant pressure on the fish and move it to you (gently by pulling not jerking) as it is about to jump.

Using this technique, I would estimate that my hook-up ratio with single hooks is north of 95%. Once the fish is hooked, landing ratio approaches 100% regarless of whether they jump or not. BTW, aerobatics is what I enjoy most about smallmouth fishing- those fish can fly!

[NJfishinGuy]

i just started using jigs myself, i have a MH rod and 50lb power pro. 4 hits 3 fish. the one i lost was the first time i ever got a hit on a jig so i was surprised and i also didnt trim the weedguard but the next three were hooked perfectly. i think the braid helps with the perfect hooksets i seem to be getting and i trim my weedguards down also. i lay into em like theres no tomorrow

[awjweb]

I learned this lesson last summer while fishing with a buddy. We were both getting about the same number of bites but he was landing way more fish than me. He told me I was setting the hook too hard and tearing the hole in the fish's mouth large enough that it could throw the lure. He was right.

[Catt]

With a Jig or Texas Rig I keep the butt of my rod near my body at all times, the rod tip is usually in the 1 to 1:30 position, when a bite is felt I'll drop the rod tip to the 2 or 2:30 position depending on water depth, and then the hook set is just quick snap up to the 12 o'clock position with the rod tip.  

I let the speed of the rod tip and then the rods back bone set the hook; not my arm strength.  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

grimlin,

NEVER "double set." Maintain constant pressure on the fish and move it to you (gently by pulling not jerking) as it is about to jump.

This is something I am trying to stay more conscious of.  I don't "double set" but my "jerky" type style is pretty much putting me in the same situation as if I had.  I don't lose many fish but that doesn't mean I'm doing it the most productive way.  VIDEO is a big help.  I didn't realize I had this issue to I saw myself on film a few times.

[Garnet]

Really large fish can clamp down on a jig or any bait and you can't move the bait in there mouth.

Your goal is to get the fish to open his mouth well shaking it's head. Thats what hooks fish.

You want a good solid hookset to the power piont of the rod. General straight up is best with 60 - 90 degree hooks. You are getting hook rotation when the fish is opening it's mouth. If you get a direction clue then go opposite direction.

Those cannon hooksets with gaint follow thru are very streaky an lot of times you spook the fish and they spit and bolt you don't get the head shake.

When you get good mechanics don't mess if you hit a lttle slump.

Garnet

Garnet

[bluebonnet2]

good morning,

i'm no expert either, however, i try to keep the fish down, as long as possible, and don't let em jump.

i know its exciting, but i'd rather get em in the boat and then practice my admiration for a great game fish....

good luck,

bluebonnet2

[Guest avid]

I'm no expert with jigs...far from it. But when I'm losing fish it seems like it's usually cause I'm setting the hook too hard. When I do manage to land one I find a big hole in that thin membrane LBH was talking about and think I was lucky to get that one in. That's when I remember to calm down a little and try not to rip its face off on the hook set.

I've come to a similar conclusion.  I have lost some BIG fish this year.  I use braided line and have been keeping the drag set tight.  I'm pretty sure the bigguns are coming unbuttoned because they are so strong and there is no "give" to keep the penetration hole from enlarging and letting them

slip "off the hook"

It's a tough spot to be in when you fish lakes like in Florida where there are a ton of weed stalks for the bass to wrap around.  So if you let them run they will wrap up and come loose, and if you don't they will enlarge the hole and come off.

I haven't mastered the solution..................................yet

[Jimzee]

My thanks to all who had suggestions that I was setting the hook too hard. I went out this morning and did not lose a single fish after the hookset. I tried that snap type hookset and you wouldn't believe the difference. Every fish I hooked had the jig buried in the upper lip or side of the jaw. Not a single loss to jumping. Thanks People!!

[FatBoy]

Yeeeeeee-haw!!!  Congrats!

[justfishin]

I tie my own jigs as I used to have the same problem years ago. I fish jigs more than any other bait. It sounds like it could be a hook problem or at least it could be part of the problem. Most of the store bought jigs have terrible hooks. I use a finer wire hook as well, the kind used for swimming jigs. I agree that sometimes the fish just clamp down so hard that you miss the good hook set. I flip for green bass 80% of the time and when I set the hook I practically cross there eyes. I have not had any problems with the finer wire hooks, I just buy quality ones. Good luck.

[Needemp]

Hookset sounds like one of your problems. Also, quality of hooks is important. Not only that, but when you snag on timber or rocks or catch a fish or two, you need to check the point of the hook. I use UltraPoints and Gammies and although they still seem pretty sharp, there is a little difference in sharpness after you hook them deep in the top of thier mouths. I lost a 5 or 6 pounder this week at Lake Ozark due to dull hook. It was the only real big bass I lost after I hooked them on a jig. I caught 5 bass over 5lbs and plenty more than that over 3 and 4lbs. Also, I use quality floro in 20lb test and get them in fast.

[fourbizz]

I think Ceph's advice is great!

[Siebert Outdoors]

few good tips

Keep the fish in the water  You will lose good fish when they start jumping around (all lures)

Low streach line  my favorite is 15lb flourocarbon

quick solid hookset  RW style

Med/hvy-hvy 7' rod  I prefer heavy.

Keep a tight line, if you allow slack the fish will indeed throw it

I've seen fish just hold the lure this is where the good hookset and heavier rod comes into play.