Setting A Jig

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I've started using a new rod on the pond I usually fish. Yesterday I decided to try my luck at jigs again. Never used them on this rod before. I caught a couple two and a half pounders no problem. However a huge female hit and slipped the hook about a foot from shore. Ol girl had to be at least eight pounds, she was huge. Had the same thing happen three more times with her. What am I doing wrong here? Could the rod be the problem? Its a 6'9" carbonlite med. heavy extra fast. I'm just completely at a loss here for what went wrong.

[hmongkidBee]

I think it's your hookset. You probably didn't set the hook hard enough to make it pierce her lip. You know what here's a better explanation on youtube by Greg Hackney:

[GTrombly]

Sounds like you're not keeping pressure on the fish. I'm not really sure, I'd have to see it live. I don't think the rod has anything to do with it.

[brushhoggin]

whats the weight on this jig? what kinda line? i wouldnt use an extra fast rod for that. you may need something a bit more stiff so you can move some line upon setting the hook.

[Fat-G]

I use a Dobyns 735c. It's a very stiff rod, with a VERY stiff tip. You just need to set your drag so it can take line. I just gibe it line off the spool with my thumb.

[Mr SwimJig]

Not sure how that Carbonlite rod feels but I use a Shimano Crucial CRC70MH and it feels like a broom stick. But it sounds like you are not getting the hook to penetrate her lip and possibly not keeping enough pressure on her and she is able to spit it out. What type of jig and size jig are you using.

SJ

[Fat-G]

Agree with the guy above, and I'll add that if you're not using braid, you should be.

[eyedabassman]

I also think it is your hook set.Check the jig hook and make sure the hook is sharp! Did you trim the brush guard? I have the Carbonlite so I don't think it is the rod at all!

[bwell]

I don't like to trim the brush guard anymore because I seem to get hung up more... But I never have a problem setting the hook.

[tholmes]

I also think it is your hook set.Check the jig hook and make sure the hook is sharp! Did you trim the brush guard? I have the Carbonlite so I don't think it is the rod at all!

This^ would be my first guess. Big bass have pretty tough mouths, you need a VERY sharp hook (especially on single hook lures) to penetrate. Your Carbonlite rod should be up to the task.

Tom

[Chris at Tech]

Is missing fish on a jig a pattern you've noticed in your fishing, or was it just a one-time thing that you feel about because it was a big fish?

If it was just a one time thing -- sometimes, crap just happens regardless of how well you prepare. The fish bites, you swing and in an instant it's over.

[LVLDVL]

You can't get more correct than a >6'6" MH-extra fast for pitching jigs regardless of brand (modulus). That can't be the problem.

"Yesterday I decided to try my luck at jigs again."

I could be wrong but I assume that by saying "try your luck again", it's not really your lure of choice? If that's the case, then I give you same advice I give myself every time I tie on a jig. When you get a take, set it like it's the last set you'll ever get. Set it fast and set it hard. Do not be afraid of breaking the line or if it's a snag or if it's a piece of milfoil.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

LVLDVL you are correct jigs are not my goto lures. I prefer plastics for pitching in the shallows. But I want to try an be versatile and figure I need to learn them. Thanks for the advice on the hookset.

The jig is a half ounce Revenge jig. Also my line is fifty lb spider wire braid. I'm starting to think it was my hook set that was the problem. I caught three five lbers and a seven lber yesterday on the same rod and same jig. The video posted above was a huge help. Thanks for all the help fellas. I really appreciate it.

[A-Rob]

I agree with everyone

I'd make sure you were using braid to help your hook sets and the 0 stretch will stop the fish from stretching the line to get slack.

Hammer the hookset and keep the bass coming towards ya. That way even if you do have a problem with the hook staying in the fish will be in the boat by the time it comes loose haha.

[vegas679]

This seems like the most appropriate place to post this question. So I have recently started fishing jigs. When should I set the hook? When I feel the tap tap or should I wait till I feel the weight of the fish, or see the line start moving. I feel like when I try to set the hook when I feel the tap tap, I get a jig flying toward my face. But if I wait till I see the line moving or can feel the weight of the fish, I do much better. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but any help is appreciated.

[kanasbassfisher08]

i agree trim the weed guard down to the point when u bend it down to the book its even or a little longer by centimeters and dont switch ur line to braid inless ur in heavy cover or muddy water fish can see it and she might not bite and if u do change use a mono leader lol not to bash braid i use it too. try trimming the guard and let us know what helped and also try setting the hook straight up or to the side one or the other ups the best though.

I also think it is your hook set.Check the jig hook and make sure the hook is sharp! Did you trim the brush guard? I have the Carbonlite so I don't think it is the rod at all!

[Hamby]

This seems like the most appropriate place to post this question. So I have recently started fishing jigs. When should I set the hook? When I feel the tap tap or should I wait till I feel the weight of the fish, or see the line start moving. I feel like when I try to set the hook when I feel the tap tap, I get a jig flying toward my face. But if I wait till I see the line moving or can feel the weight of the fish, I do much better. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but any help is appreciated.

Sometimes they don't go anywhere with it, but moving line is a good sign to set the hook. The times that they haven't moved with the jig and the only thing i feel or see is the tap or dead weight, i've found myself dropping the rod tip and setting the hook probably about a second or 2 later whether i see any more movement or not. I almost always either stick a fish or some other object haha.

[B A S S E R]

Almost every single fish me or my dad have caught on a jig have been hooked in the roof of the mouth... this is probably the toughest spot in their mouth. Make sure you are mmaking a solid hookset and you keep your hooks sharp. I set my hooks into logs fairly often when fishing jigs so they tend to dull relatively quickly. That might be an issue

[Catt]

Watch the one of Denny Brauer

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/bmu/live

[philsoreel]

I agree 100% percent with everything that's been said here. I like a strong hook, a broomstick, and a hookset that will cross her eyes when jig fishing. HOWEVER, if he's using a medium or light wired jig then he's probably doing exactly what Hack said...bending the hook just enough to tear out.

[NBR]

You said she picked up the bait more than once. Maybe she never had it in her mouth and she was just moving it to another place?

[Fat-G]

I love sticking a 6 with a jig right in the top of the mouth. Jigs are my favorite way to fish right now.

Just use a good braided line and you should be fine. With braid, you really can just do a short, snap hookset.