5 hours ago, PressuredFishing said:

Perhaps 12lb is too light for the hook, although I would really like to have that as my goal line.

I don't think 12# should be inadequate. I use 12# for finesse jigs, I would even step it as low as 10# (or even 8# on spinning gear) but then I'd have to add another reel to my arsenal and I have 7 baitcasters with carefully selected line size that generally works well.

 

When you get into a standard size hook (not one of those super thick "California" hooks), I would say 12# is the minimum if you are fishing open water in pressured lakes trying to get bit. 14# is generally happy. I usually use 16# for your standard 3/8oz arky head style jig, but again that's largely because I'll often target weedlines and laydowns. 

15# Sniper or 20# Shooter depending on cover. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

12lb Pline cxx. You can straighten a hook out before you break the line.

Swim jigs and finesse jigs often have really light weed guards so 12 lb works fine, but I would never drop below 15 for anything else. 

On 10/2/2021 at 6:05 PM, Derek1 said:

Cutting down the weed guard will make it stiffer. Take a pair off pliers and pull a few out randomly around the weed guard to soften it. Do just a few at a time until you get what you want. But as said earlier jigs matched up properly with the rod should be just fine. 

I do this and can usually get away with 12# test. 

I fish the same weight of jigs all the time, for clear water river/creek smallies.  For those jigs, I think 12lb is the least that I can get away with, but I would need to check the line abrasion constantly due to the rocky bottom.  I used 14~15lb lines when I am feeling ballsy. 

Been running 50lb Power Pro V2 this season.

On 10/3/2021 at 10:06 PM, Phil77 said:

12lb Pline cxx. You can straighten a hook out before you break the line.

Yes, it’s some tough stuff!