Vertical jigging ... set hook immediately or let em run???

[Ed]

I'm new to vertical jigging for 'eyes, but I've heard two different opinions about hook sets ...

o Set the hook immediately, or..
o Let em run with the bait, then set the hook.

Your thoughts?

[SetTheHook]

Set it immediately when vertical jigging. Every time. They spit jigs back out remarkably fast.

[ETT]

Set immediately no doubt. I hesitate to say this because I DO NOT WANT TO START ANYTHING but, it has been my exrience on Erie, that Fireline or any super braid is a definate detriment to succesful verticle jigging. I played 1 spring (all spring) with 2 rods (1 Fireline / 1 mono) and the mono outfished the fireline every time, and as much as 3 to 1. This was a at a depth of around 30-35', with typical Erie ice out lures ad tactics. Sensativity was superb with Fireline, you could actually feel the minnows kickin, but doing the best I could to fish both rods exactly alike, the fish definately preferred the mono (which was 8# trilene). Just a heads up.

Now if your goin to barbeque me, I prefer the Bullseye Sauce.

[eyedoktr]

I guess I have to say yes...yes... It all depends on the bait you're using. I jig quite often with 1/8th oz. jigs with crawlers. I hook the crawler once through the head and let the rest of it hang. I found that if I set the hook immediately, all I was doing was cutting the crawler in half. There are times I actually have to wait 30 seconds or more before setting the hook. If I'm using minnnows, leeches or no live bait, then an immediate hook set is required. opener= 6 weeks and 13 hours away.

[Lund_Dude]

I won't BBQ you for a difference of opinion. ;-)

I do love Fireline for jigging, especially in rivers. I find that it is true that you can downsize the jig by one size with fireline. I think that downsizing is the key to my success with Fireline. You just need to be sure that you have a rod that is appropriate for the app (a bit longer and lighter in the tip with good backbone).

Anyway, back to the main question...I always set the hook immediately with jigs, tipped with minnows, leeches or plastic and give a pause when fishing crawlers. If I find that I am shorting the fish, I switch to a bait rig and then I give them a bit of time to run. Good Luck!

[MarbleEye's]

It all depends on what your using for bait-
If your using a fathead/or any smaller minnows, or a half crawler set the hook immediatly.
If using a whole crawler give them a second or two to get it in their mouths and then set the hook.
Just my preference, MarbleEye's

[FJH1]

For vertical jigging set it right away, as soon as you feel a tick, see the line jump or feel weight. If you're missing fish put on a stinger.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Bottomfeeder]

Often when vertical jigging while slipping down the river, I won't actually feel the bite, just a little extra weight. As soon as I feel this I set the hook. I have learned that when using Fireline, don't set it too hard. If you do you just end up with walleye lips. They don't taste too bad, but not much meat on them.

Only one way to catch fish...You have to go fishing.

[stewart]

I usually set right away, but does anybody think depth makes a difference? In deeper water,25'+, I tend to set right away, but when I'm drifting real shallow,ex 6', I tend to hesitate a fraction. With bait I can even follow them around with my rod tip a little while if I want to most of the time.

[RIVERRUNNER]

I let the eyes make the rules.Most times I set it fast and hard.Only if the fish are inactive will I downsize to a smaller jig than 5/8 in 25'+ of water and give a extra second.If I'm in dirty water I upsize 3/4.I use 4" plastic worms a lot,only about one in 40 or 50 hits ,actually short strikes, and breaks the tale off.One good way to tell how your doing is to notice how many good hard hits ,produce fish that are hooked under the mouth.This usually tells me I'M a little slow,it hit, then spit it,then I set,thus hooked under the jaw.Bottom line I think the quicker the better.

[GORD]

There are a lot of differing viewpoints on this. Try every technique you hear about and get an all round education. The trick to being successful is read the water and the fish. You are playing their game on their turf. If they are playing hard and fast, you must do the same. Remember to follow through with your hook sets and keep the pressure on. Keep in mind there is line stretch and the rod bends. Take a walleye in your hand and try to push a jig into his mouth with your other hand. You almost need a hammer. It'll give you a whole new perspective on sharp hooks and hook sets.

[gary]

Tere are times it works both ways,light biting fish need to be fed a little ,they are trying to inhale the bait ,not run with it .Drop your rod tip down to them,more agressive fish hit right away,if you still have trouble ,well there is the stinger hook ,but try it without that final act of desperation,tou can get the hang of it.
good fishing....www.garytheguide.com

[River_eye]

I think it's wrong to say that mono is "better" than fireline, or vice versa. You caught more fish with the mono, therefore, you are a fisherman who prefers mono, nothing more.

Another equally truthful guy could come on here and say that he catches more with fireline. This simply means that he's a fisherman who prefers fireline.

It's all a matter of preference. The line doesn't catch the fish, the fisherman does, and it just depends what suits him/her better.

River eye