JIGFISHERMAN.

I'm not affiliated with them in any way so I don't mind sayin' that I make my own jig on the LureCraft (Poor Boy's Baits) jig heads. They use fewer strands than anyone else, and I don't have any problems with hook up's, using unmodified weedguards. And I don't really run into more snagging due to the thinner guard either.

I'm with you.... I'll drop down to a 3/16 oz jig on a spinning rod for shallow smallies sometimes but for the most part, if I need light, I'll go with something else. It's a matter of fish mood. If the fish are in a negative mood, to the point I need to slow the drop speed WAY, down, I'm probably also going to need to downsize the package to something smaller than a jig/trailer.

IMO your OK staying with a long rod. As long as the package is light enough to get a quick hook set. I use one rod for all my jig fishing. A 7'6 MH, XF, in a light sensitive rod is perfect for all my jig fishing. More important than length though, is that a sensitive rod is going to help you detect bites better, and that means more fish on those days when it seems like they are spitting it right out. For jigs, instead of forking out big bucks make your own. I've been using unpainted heads from Poor Boy's, and painting them myself, and hand tie-ing the skirts using braid in place of a rubber collar. I won't go back to pre-built jigs.