I am going to setting out on a new adventure. I've never fished a jig before, and have recently lurched a few from Talon Tackle out of Taledo Bend. I'm planning on taking one rod and reel on Lewisville, and fishing a jig all day, or multiple days until I get a good feel for it Any suggestions as far as a rod and reel set up? I've heard long rods, and reels that have a very high gear ratio?

My primary jig rod is a 7'6" Duckett Micro Magic Pro Extra Heavy with a BB1 Pro 7:1 reel with braid. I've got a 7'3" Duckett Micro Magic Pro Heavy with a BB1 Pro 7:1 reel with copolymer line. I would switch to the 7'3" if I needed different line for the jig other than the braid.

Does it matter? I'm sure you can fish a jig on any rod/reel/line combo you would like. Those set-ups are just what I prefer. I wouldn't get too hung up on it until you get going on jigs.

I would not go out and buy a new rig yet, just because you've never used a jig. I'm sure you already have a rod and reel that will work fine. I would use whatever rod your using for worms or spinnerbaits. I'm like you though, I'm not proficient with a jig in fresh water and wish I was. I use jigs all the time in salt, but it's a lot different for Fresh. If you're near Toledo Bend, then I would suggest getting with Darold Gleason. I fished with him last summer, and I was impressed how fishing with jigs and in deep water was second nature to him. Good luck.

I use a Shimano Clarus worm/jig rod. It's 7'2" MH extra fast tip and I love it! That being said unless you are fishing 1oz and heavier jigs 9which I doubt you are) there is no real need to go above MH action. I think its over kill and can result in missed fish. You want a rod with a good backbone but not one that is so still that you either break the line or completey rip the hook out of the fish's mouth on the hookset. A fast gear ratio reel is a must as well. Alot of time the bass will pick up the jigs and start running with it so you want a fast reel that you can catch up to them with and get a good hookset. I fish jigs ALOT and this has served me pretty well over the years.

But like others have said there is no real "right or wrong" in this case. Just dont throw them on a Medium action rod with 8lb test and youll be ok!