I have noticed on a few occasions that if I am flipping my jigs into heavy cover like a thick lilly pad field that sometimes when I set the hook the fish will get "locked" in tight before I can get him up over the surface. I know he's getting me wrapped in the stems. I've kept constant pressure on him and when I have gone in to get the fish he's off and the jig is hung on the stems. Is he throwing the bait after getting hung or am I putting too much pressure on him while "holding" him in there until I can get to him? 

 

I have been using a heavy rod/fast action with a right handed reel 6:8/1 with 12lb drag. I'm going to upgrade to a faster reel 8.3/1 with a 20lb drag in LEFT handed retrieve so that I can control the heavy rod with my right hand during the hookset. I am hoping this will help me with better results. Was just wondering if there are any tricks or hidden tips someone could offer to help me land these fish. 

Fish are evil.  Even small ones take my lures and stick them into trees, rocks, stems, etc.  I knew I couldn't be the only one

Many will tell you braid is the answer, I'll tell you sometimes it doesn't matter what you do!

They're likely ripping loose while they're pinned to the stems. You're just gonna lose some doing that, no way around it. Keeping them pinned is the best option imo.