Rookie needs some advice Update

[underfrog]

Wow, this forum and the information has really helped. I invested some more money and time and learned a lot along with picking up some good pond lures. My best success has been on a jig n pig. My only trouble is setting the hook. I went out a couple days ago, brought in three in the 1-2lb range but missed 7, 2 strikes from under water and 5 that spit on the jump. I found a great area with some down trees and got a lot of casts in before I finally got snagged. My first throw landed what I thought was gonna be a huge bass but ended up being an 8lb catfish! Once I lost the lure, I was almost done but fished a short and fat deep diver crank bait that moves really iratically on the walk back to the shore. Just reeling it it feels like I have a fish one it. Anyway, I nailed my first lunker! Unfortunately no one was there to see it It jumped twice and fought hard, I could have fit a tennis ball in it's large mouth. It measured just under 21" from lip to tail tip and I estimate it weighed between 6 and 7lbs. What a fun catch, I'm going back out tomorrow and invested in a nice digital scale and a cheap digi camera to get pics!

-- underfrog dan

[BassAddict]

Congrats on the lunker underfrog!

As far as setting the hook with a jig... you want to reel down and SNAP the rod back. Don't get a tight line and pull back. You need a little slack in the line then snap it back to drive that hook in. Also make sure your hook is real sharp! Good luck!

Eric

[zooker]

add some scent this ensures they hold on a bit longer..

a word of note if you are used to fishing with a spot remover. hook set is a sweep and reel thing. this don't work on a pnj-boy how do i know..





zooker

[Patrick Krueger, Jr.]

Don't forget our tourney on here, bro. You've beaten me already.

Zooker and Bass Addict have given the best advice (and better than I could've put it).

As far as catching the 8lb. cat, it's cool, ANYTHING THAT BENDS THE ROD!

[b4ssman]

when i started bass fishing i thought that i could set the hook too hard........ wrong set the hook like your trying to rip that basses lips off. youll catch alot more. congrats on that big bass.

[James O.]

Congrats on the lunker

[The Bass Master]

have you tryed to cut a little off your weed guard. and how are you feeling that the fish is on befor you set the hook?

[Sapper364]

Good job underfrog.

When fishing a jig set the hook on anything that feels out of place, a tic on the jig, your line hops, a flat weight on retrieve. Many times it's not the hookset but when you set the hook. Keep learning that jig and keep that pole bent.