I have struggled with the jig for the past four months. Up until yesterday evening I had two fish both under a pound and they where "just there" as I started to burn jig back for another cast. 

 

I up graded my jig rod from a ABU vendetta H/F to a Dobyns fury 735, definitely noticed a difference in sensitivity. But still wasn't feeling the bite and no fish. I fish some pretty fast water and 3/4 once jig gets ripped off of far bank in seconds and this is where the fish are. There is barely enough time to reel up slack before jig is on the move out of strike zone.

 

Frustrated, I decided to upgrade my rod once more, I bought a Dobyn's Champ DC 735. I immediately noticed rocks where I hadn't before. And then on my third cast, I felt a "tick",  a tick that was different from the rocks and wood that are present. 

 

One fish I'd say was a coincidence but two? Sensitivity matters!

 

Not bad for first jig fish, 2.44

 

And then, 

Right on!

When it comes to jigs, sensitivity does matter.  Welcome to the addiction!

While sensitivity is important, it isn't quite everything. I've got plenty of jig fish on my $70 Abu Garcia silver max

Cool, you’ll be calling seiberts tomorrow. 

Nice going!

You are on your way, congratulations.

Tom

Jig fishing is addicting for sure.

 

A cheaper rod will catch jig fish, but there's times when maximum sensitivity is needed and it sounds like you're dealing with one of those situations.

*Make sure your line is up to the task as well ... I use Seaguar AbrazX #15 lb. with football jigs - it's not only sensitive but it also has low stretch and is abrasion resistant . Sunline FC Sniper in either #14 lb. or #16 lb. would be great as well . If you want to go all - out then try the top of the FC lines with Seaguar Tatsu in either #12 lb. or #15 lb. size !

7 hours ago, ChrisD46 said:

*Make sure your line is up to the task as well ... I use Seaguar AbrazX #15 lb. with football jigs - it's not only sensitive but it also has low stretch and is abrasion resistant . Sunline FC Sniper in either #14 lb. or #16 lb. would be great as well . If you want to go all - out then try the top of the FC lines with Seaguar Tatsu in either #12 lb. or #15 lb. size !

I have been using braid, there is a point as jig is being swept down stream that I need to "mend" my line to maintain line tension.

 

I have been considering FC for what I've heard is better slack line sensitivity. But my thinking is that FC sinks, so I'd end up with a big bow in my line under the surface. Not sure if I would have enough tension to detect strikes or the bow would negate FC slack line sensitivity?

 

Hope I'm getting my point across, lol. Kinda hard to explain.

I use straight 30 lb braid, no leader.  I fish jigs at least 50% of the time.  

19 hours ago, Derek1 said:

Cool, you’ll be calling seiberts tomorrow. 

Jigs, another arrow in the Monkeys quiver.

Congrats !!!! I fish a jig , it’s 100% I’ll be cutting my line lol. 

Good job. Jig fishing is one of my favorite ways to catch a bass. The main reason is because it can be fished so many different ways.