Sensitive rod for a 16 year old:

[locomoto]

Lots of good info already brought up here. If I can only bring one rod I choose a St. Croix Avid 6'6"MLF spinning rod with a Stradic 1000 and 6lb braid. It's a power and action combination that does pretty well at everything.

The hardest part of jig fishing for me is setting the hook. I have to continually force myself to set the hook anytime I feel something out of the ordinary.

I was taught to use the lightest jig possible. Tie that bad boy on and immediately cut the hook off. Bang that on the bottom for a while so you know what the bottom feels like without getting snagged up. Its easy to feel bottom because of its "feel" but also because you are somewhat expecting it. If you feel anything else it's time to set the hook without even thinking about it.

Now it's time to tie on a real jig and rip some lips. I used to set the hook like I was starting a chainsaw but learned to make a softer hook set that generally worked better...more of a quick steady lifting of the rod tip. If you have a nice sharp hook like REW mentioned then it's lights out for old marble eyes. I often times set the hook when I feel something out of the ordinary and nothing is there. I look kind of dumb but I'm honing my skills as a jig fisherman. On the flip side I've set the hook and caught a fish at times where I really didn't think it was a bite.

Just remind your boy that jigging is a skill that is learned and some people are really good at it. I admire those folks...but they make me look bad when we fish together.

[undguy]

With all due respect - your son needs to fish more. You said in your original post the rod would only be used one week a year. Your tag line says Take a Kid Fishing. Take him more than one week a year.

[adempsey]

I think he just needs more experience. Braid or fused superline should help, but that might create other problems.

[REW]

http://eze-lap.com/hunting_fishing_o...et-sharpeners/

This is the exact system that I use to sharpen hooks. I always have several of these diamond hook sharpeners in the boat, in the tackle box and in my pocket.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LET-F...eature=related

REW

[AllenW]

First, is he paying attention?
Easy for a kid's mind to wander, mine does it all the time..

Maybe get him to bounce the jig on the bottom every 10-15 secs and hold it slightly off the bottom otherwise, less snags, better feel.

Also is he holding the line in one of his hands?
Not sure if your using a spinning or bait caster but depending on which, I fish touching the line off the reel.

I use spinning mostly as I can run the line though the hand that's holding the reel.

Unlike others, I tend to work slightly heavier jigs, 1/4oz and up 3/8ths is my favorite of the lighter jigs, you need (imho) enough weight to keep the line taught when jigging up and down.
For me, it makes feeling that bite easier.

Also, when in doubt, set the hook.

Al

[NathanH]

Very true on the hooks. I keep a Dr. Slick file ready at all times. When your in Canada bouncing that jig off of who knows what they will get dull. Some hooks hold up better then others.

[fishincrazy]

Originally Posted by REW

Fishin,
Out of curiosity, did your son have really sharp hooks?

So often, especially when fishing in Canada there are lots and lots of rocks.
It only takes one snag on the bottom and the hook is bent over. Then one needs to sharpen the hook to get the hook edge back.

I carry a Lansky diamond sharpener in my pocket and use it any time that it is needed. I always check the hook after snagging a bottom and also after catching every fish.

----------
I think that your son was using the perfect rod.
But, perhaps the way to go, would be to go to a light action rod. The advantage of a light action rod, is that the fish will really hook themselves.

This is of course, if you have a sharp hook on the end of your line.

Remember, just because the hook or jig is new; that does not mean that it is sharp. Every hook that is put on a line, needs to be checked to see if it is sharp. You should be able to drag the hook across your thumbnail, and the hook should stick in your nail. If the hook does not stick in your nail, the hook is not sharp enough.
When sharpening a hook, I like to use the three sided pyramid style of sharpening. That way you have three cutting edges to really let you bury the hook.

By the way, you don't have to spend a lot of money for a sensitive rod, if you go with a light action rod. You can go to Scheels, or Gander Mountain, or Dicks and buy one of their house rods in a light action and have a rod that is plenty sensitive to be able to have your son catch lots and lots of fish.

Good luck
REW

Rew,I'm kinda particular about sharp hooks,He was using the same hooks I was using and changing them out every 10 minutes or so on the bottom.I thought he was using the perfect rod too.I love that rod.I think the biggest problem is lack of experience.He goes with me surf fishing but that is a different animal a 20lb striper hits like a ton of bricks compared to a walleye.I was actually looking at some field and stream rod's at Dicks last night.I think I might get him one just to get my Premier back.

FC

[fishincrazy]

Originally Posted by NathanH

How often does your son fish? It seems to me that rod is great for what your doing. Sure a fast or xfast tip is nice but I dont think thats the issue. I have seen far to many folks who only fish a week or two a year struggle to set the hook or even notice they have a bit. I grew up in a boat fishing with my father 6 days week so i feel lucky that I was trained in early others just need more time under the belt.

Nathan I think your right.We usually river fish and that is a different animal then what we do in Canada.I have to get him out more.I'll have to find a lake with girls so he'll go.He really like surf fishing in the summer his head is on a swivel.

FC

[fishincrazy]

Originally Posted by Pezman38

Crazy,
What size jig are you using on the rod for your son? That rod you let him use my dad uses the same one. You need to use a jig no greater than 3/8 and I believe less than that is key. Way too much tip action for a heavier weight.

I use a 6'3" st croix M extra fast, I love the rod, but the handle could be a bit wider to be more comfortable holding all day. I can feel the bottom very easily with this rod and that is the key. Many times you won't feel the bite, but you will feel the line get tight. So I constantly jig the rod up and down to feel the bottom, sometimes when I take the rod up the jig doesn't come up...FISH ON! So tell your son to jig it up and down to feel the bottom, if something is different set the hook. 9/10 it is a fish.
I also don't like braid for jigging. The way I move the rod constantly I don't want the fish to feel me, mono stretches just enough for that. I also think they can see braid easier, of course a flouro leader would solve that.

Pez he was fishin 1/8 or 1/4 oz jig's or a red #6 Gamakatsu octopus hook with split shot.I think the problem wasn't the equipment but the inexperience.

FC

[fishincrazy]

Originally Posted by Bill Krejca

I think REW had a good "point" re: is hook sharp. I've seen more than a few folks I've fished with lose fish due to a dull hook. I'd look at the other end of the line rather than investing in another rod. Instead, invest in a little more practice/field lab before heading up, this should help. Perhaps go fishing with him and just observe/coach as to what to do while bottom fishing, if he'll let you. And bring a hook sharpener.

Bill Krejca

Got 3 different sharpeners I think he needs practice.Thanks Bill!!

FC