Jig Help

[gundy89]

I just starting using jigs for bass (Yeah, Im a little slow!!), and the other night I was pounding the bass but the northerns were killing me. I was using 30lb mono and got 3 jigs bit off in 5 minutes. One was a huge Pike. Is there anything I can do to ease the supply? I hesitate putting a leader on, but Im not made of money.

[RandyFish]

Gundy,

Those dang northerns literally cut the line with all those sharp teeth.

No matter how much high of test mono you have on, it cuts easily. That's why fisherman can use their teeth to cut the line.

Two suggestions.

Either switch line from your mono to PowerPro or Fireline (use PowerPro, at at least 30# test). Just make sure to use a palomar knot or uni-knot as a "regular" fishing knot slips easily.

Plus, for jigging it has no stretch, so you will feel the bite better and you'll have very strong hook sets.

The second option: You can buy very short, clear leaders, but they will affect the jig action.

I would take one of your reels, assuming a bait caster or spinning, not spincast, and try some PowerPro. I think you will like. Just remember to use the proper knot!

Let me know how your jig fishing works out, as I am trying to master that technique too.

RandyFish

[Deitz Dittrich]

There is nothing you can do to help with this problem without hindering your ability to catch bass. Good Luck!

[delmuts]

gundy. the guys here have talked alot about using braids so they don't get bit off as much, but i think it can still happen. other than a leader, one poss. would be to get some seven strand leader material( that they talk about on the muskie forum) i haven't used this yet, but it is a wire that can be tied to your lure just like your line and is some what flexible. my $.02 del

[panolo]

I have used very small rubber tubing. Like the stuff you see on a IV only smaller. It has really helped on some lakes like Clearwater when the slimers are taking my bass lures. It hinders the action some but not enough that I have noticed the difference. I have always used clear tubing.

[bass-o-matic]

Any sort of leader is going to hinder the action. And even Power Pro will get bit off occasionally, but not as often as mono. At least you know you are fishing the jigs correctly when you are getting the action!

[gundy89]

Thanks for the help!! I think I will respool a rod. It was really exciting but frustating also.