Jig/Hook Question

[TubeDude]

I noticed on a recent ice trip, that one of my jigs often didn't result in a secure hook up, and I eventually traded it for another kind.  It could have been operator error, but wondering about hook angle compared to the jig head and eye location/orientation and overall balance and how those affect hook set when jigged vertically.  That particular jig seemed to be similar to the other one that was working better, so not sure why.

Anybody have some thoughts or experience?

The subjects of ice fishing jigs and hook sizes/shapes/colors etc. are ones for debate, for sure.  And as with most other fishing factors are subject to personal experience and opinion.  I am amazed at the stuff I have seen used over the years, simply because "I caught a lot of fish on this...once." 

I have personally conducted several decades of what I would like to think as "objective" research.  The only hard and fast rule I have discovered is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to fish or fishing.  There are too many variables in fishing conditions, fish activity levels, angler prejudices and notions, etc.  However, there are things to watch for and to consider whenever you suspect you could be doing better.

Jig shapes and hook orientation are potentially important.  One thing I HAVE come to believe in is making a "horizontal" presentation when possible.  I have watched fish reactions on camera to the difference between a baited jig that hangs vertically or at an angle vs one that presents horizontally.  On days when fish are active and smacking anything, it might not make a difference.  But when they are being more finicky, the horizontal presentation usually gets more attention.

That's why my fave jigs for ice fishing...or vertical presentations from afloat...are usually ones that have the balance to hang horizontally.  And I modified some of my jig molds to relocate the hook eye from the front of the hook to a mid-body position that will change the balance accordingly.  And I have quite a few guys on the board who agree...after enjoying greater success with the horizontal hold thing.

Hooks are another thing subject to a lot of personal opinion.  Regardless of what you believe, having good sharp hooks of the right size is a key element.  There should be a balance between the size of the jig head, the type and size of bait you will be using and the size and species of fish you anticipate catching.  For example, there are a lot of "Gammy" fans out there who would never use anything but Gamakatsu hooks.  God bless 'em.  But in many cases they are spending more money than necessary just for status.  True, Gammies are very strong, as well as sharp, but for most ice fishing hook strength is not a key element.  Not nearly as much as sharpness and fish holding ability.

Your method of setting the hook is another area of real importance.  I chortle and guffaw whenever I see someone using an 18" noodle rod trying to set a hook...with a reach to the sky and dislocating their shoulders...only to still lose the fish halfway to the hole.  There are more and more experienced ice anglers that are opting for ice rods of 40 inches or longer...with more backbone.  When using a stronger and longer rod, you can move a lot of line and set the hook more positively with a quick upward wrist snap than with a short wimpy rod.  I use the example of putting a nail in a board...you gotta pound it in...not push it in.

In the same vein, I gave up using super flexible "ice lines" long ago.  They are too stretchy and do not allow for good positive hooks sets...unless you use several followup hook sets after the first one.  And you don't have to use a a line that is stiff and develops coils to get positive feel and hooksets.  But that is not the subject of this diatribe.

I am attaching pics of some of the jig heads I have used most...and which are popular among other Utah ice tanglers.