Need some advice.

[stepup]

Fished a pretty large tournament today and actually used a different jig rod than what I have been using. I bought a St. Croix Avid X 7'4 MH Fast and used it all day today. We were on a good jig bite and had the fish to win the tournament. We ended up losing by 3 lbs and I had to monster fish come off. I felt like I stuck them good but somehow after about 7 or 8 seconds they spit the jig. I ended up going 6 for 8 on the fish I had hooked up but those 2 fish will really haunt me. They would have both been huge culls. What jig rod are you guys using and would you guys be as tore up as I am and ready to sell this rod and buy something else over something like this. It has a lot of tip from what I was using but does have a good backbone. Let's hear it. What would you guys do and what is your answer. I am typically fish very clean and this is driving me crazy losing those fish.

[BASStex1988]

Were you fishing a football or casting style jig? For those type I love the power tackle “the one” rod. I think it’s one of the best rods out there

[jigman51]

I use a Gloomis GLX medium heavy and an IMX medium heavy for jigs. I am very satisfied with both.

[BigFishSteve]

Sometimes fish get off. Sharpen the hook.

[JLWatts]

Check your hook

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Had just tied on a new jig right before so I know it was sharp.

[FTC]

You sound like you've never lost a fish before.

[Transom]

Honestly with the types of hooks that are on jigs I do not think the rod was at fault unless it is a limp noodle.

[ksubasser24]

I use the same rod as you. I hate it so much I will take it off your hands and get it to someone who appreciates it. In all seriousness that’s a great rod and does a lot of things well including jigs. Sometimes fish just come off. They clamp down on baits so hard that you may not even move the bait in there mouth. I’ve seen this first hand with smallmouth especially.

i have a friend that will take a open hook tube and hold it in his hand, make a fiat around it, and then tell you to set the hook. I’ve done this with him and you can’t move the jig in his hand.

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You sound like you've never lost a fish before.

Yeah I have lost a fish before but when you lose 2 that cost you 1500 bucks it really eats at you. 1 is bad enough but when you lose that second one it will drive you crazy.

[Bassbuster95]

Had just tied on a new jig right before so I know it was sharp.

Not all new hooks are sharp. In fact, damn near none of them are

[Jimslaw]

Bass pro shop extreme, using them for about 8 years. Dont know if they still make that line of rod but I would like to find a few more. 7ft heavy action.

[Jimslaw]

Trim weed guard then fluff it out. I read that fish in cold water will have a tougher skin so maybe a thinner hook or harder hookset

[188Musky]

My advice is to realize the guy that beat you lost two big ones, too.

[andy52887]

I personally like heavy action when it comes to a jig. I use a kistler klx 7’3” heavy.

[andy52887]

I have never trimmed a weed guard but some days just aren’t meant to be.

[cubswin]

Fish come off sometimes. Why did you change rods to begin with? What kind of jig? What kind of line?

I don't like trimming weed guards, makes the guard stiffer if you shorten the guard.

[yatesville88fan]

Just because a jig is new doesn’t mean it is sharp. Really doubt it was the rod. If u can slide the hook point on the jig across your thumb nail and it doesn’t dig in. It isn’t sharp.

[RazorCat]

What’s wrong with the rod you used? The Avid is an exceptional rod in all respects, and apparently did it’s job since you hooked, and caught, a number of fish. I’d check my jig, the hook sharpness, etc. But, then sometimes you can do everything right, and still lose fish.

[Bassin08]

Too much stretch in your line?