Slump? or am I doing something wrong?

[fishfever]

I have had a similar year of more lost fish than ever before. I too switched from mono to braid w/ fluoro leader and a stout carbon fiber rod. I really believe my hook sets are too hard and I have often brought fish in with larger holes in their lips with hook about to fall out. I loosened my drag even more and try (although really hard to break the habit &#128556 to not set the hook with as much force. It has helped since doing that but I still loose too many fish and have considered going back to mono. I love the sensitivity of braid though and hate to go back

[teebass11]

I have had a similar year of more lost fish than ever before. I too switched from mono to braid w/ fluoro leader and a stout carbon fiber rod. I really believe my hook sets are too hard and I have often brought fish in with larger holes in their lips with hook about to fall out. I loosened my drag even more and try (although really hard to break the habit ) to not set the hook with as much force. It has helped since doing that but I still loose too many fish and have considered going back to mono. I love the sensitivity of braid though and hate to go back

I have read by so many that a 6'-6" rod is ideal for jig and worm, years ago all we had were 6' rods and seem like I never lost fish...But back then I used spinning outfits for jig and even worm fishing and made the change to casting rods about 4 yrs ago cause I had been told I lost fish then cause I was using spinning equipment, so decided to go with baitcasting...But then again I was using braid on spinning reel with flouro leader...So does everybody believe a longer rod can make a difference? My buddy uses a 7' spinning rod with braid and flouro leader and rarely loses fish...He is the first that said go to a longer rod

[Fishin is life]

I throw my jig on a 7'5 rod and my worm on a 7'3. My spinning rods are 7'1 and 7'3. I dont think the longer rods are a must, but what youre comfortable with and what works the best will vary from person to person. Throwing a 6'6 rod feels like im holding a toothpick to me.

[jcclark]

It's not just the length of the rod but it's stiffness that makes more of the difference.

[Duayne]

Pay attention to the fish you do land. Were they barely hooked? Where are the hooks landing in the mouth? Are there large holes? I do not bass fish that much but sometimes fishing is fishing. I am a firm believer in matching my terminal tackle to the rod\reel I am using. I like to use smaller diameter hooks\terminal tackle if I am using lighter line and softer rods. It's easier to put a smaller wire hook in to the barb with that tackle. If it's a jig with heavier wire, I know I need stronger line and more back bone. If you are ripping holes then you may be over doing it on the line and rod stiffness. Learn from success and it can help you overcome failure.