So I got off work early today so I decided to hit the river on the way home. Didnt lose any jigs this time so thats a bonus (I guess).

Fished a back channel area, Tried fishing around a dock and some small downed trees. Just flipping various jigs under a slip float. Thought I felt two thumps, once near the dock and once just casting out and slow retrieving.

Went over to the main river side for a bit. Was flipping the jig near a downed tree with no luck. Cast out into the center of the river and let the slow current take the jig/float down river, when it was 30 ft or so past me id start reeling in slowly. Felt a decent thump on one retrieve, and couldnt get it to repeat again in the same location so i know it wasnt a rock.

I seem to be missing setting the hook soon enough on a thump. What do you guys do, just set the hook anytime you feel anything? Just bring the rod tip up or jerk upnin a quick snap? Ive caught smallmouth in the river and they feel like a freight train hitting a lure. Im guessing these thumps were crappie or something else small.

I guess I need more time trying for crappie and getting used to those thumps.