So I’ve really taking a liking to jog fishing. most of yall know this. But my wife can only Listen to me talk fishing so much. So I’ll talk to you all lol. I’m waiting on some siebert snipers to come. But I’ve thrown and caught fish on the 1/4 ounce Bitsy bug. And middle baits mini swim jig. One in green pumpkin and one in brown. And both with a zoom super chunk jr in green pumpkin. 
 

I tried trimming the middle baits jug and gave it some more flare. Which improved action from what I can see in the water near the bank. The bites I’m getting a better feel for. It’s more subtle but I feel the thump like I would with a stick bait. But once they hit it on the fall. I can feel the weight of the fish before making the next hop! I’ve missed some hook sets from them quickly rejecting the bait. But that’s ok! This morning I got two small probably 1 pounders. In about an hour on the pond before work. They were hooked in the corner of the mouth so I think it’s a reaction bite not a feeding bite. They are swiping at it. 
 

anyway sorry for the rant just excited 

When in doubt set the hook.   Most hook sets are free.

11 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

When in doubt set the hook.   Most hook sets are free.

That’s literally what I was doing. If it felt possible I set it 

Keep an eye on the line at the water entry point.  It can tell you a lot about what is going on down there.

15 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

Keep an eye on the line at the water entry point.  It can tell you a lot about what is going on down there.

Thank you! I definitely need to work on that 

It’s remarkable how fast a bass can inhale and reject a bait. Gotta be quick on the draw! That’s why bite detection is so key for jig fishing. When in doubt, set the hook, but when fishing laydowns, the trick is to reduce the doubt so you aren’t setting the hook into tree limbs. 

Corner of the mouth usually indicates the bass had the jig and turned to swim away before you detected the initial strike.

Tom

22 minutes ago, WRB said:

Corner of the mouth usually indicates the bass had the and turned to swim away before you detected the initial strike.

Tom

Ahh seen assumed it was a reaction strike swiping at it. I’ve tried the holding the line with my finger tip. But I just can’t palm a baitcaster like that and have power to set the hook and have control

31 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

It’s remarkable how fast a bass can inhale and reject a bait. Gotta be quick on the draw! That’s why bite detection is so key for jig fishing. When in doubt, set the hook, but when fishing laydowns, the trick is to reduce the doubt so you aren’t setting the hook into tree limbs. 

It really is insane. So fast. 

I previously ( before last season) had very little faith in jigs, however once I stuck with them for just a little bit, and figured them out, I now love them. 
key for me was to stick with it , for more than a few casts. Now I love them. Must of bought 40 last year🤣. Love the swim jig. Not expensive to buy, so many variations, and definitely work! 

On 4/10/2025 at 12:01 PM, Jig Man said:

When in doubt set the hook.   Most hook sets are free.

I have such a hard time doing that. I always feel like somebody’s watching me. 😂

7 minutes ago, woolleyfooley said:

I have such a hard time doing that. I always feel like somebody’s watching me. 😂

I swing to hard it seems lol