Ken Wrote: "I also read somewhere that a lighter line [8-10] would give the
bait a little more realistic look."

Line size can effect a jig-n-pig both positively and negatively. With
lighter jigs (less than 3/8-ounce) on heavy line could mean that your lure
doesn't maintain good bottom contact, which in most cases (unless you are
swimming a jig) is not a good thing. Water depth is a big consideration
when choosing line and jig size. A good rule of thumb is; the deeper the
water the lighter the line or the heavier the jig (unless the fish are
suspending closer to the top over deep water, in which case you want a slow
fall rate).

Think about it, if you are using a 3/16-ounce jig with a small pork trailer
on 30-pound test, the line size (based on standard monofilament) would slow
the fall rate down so much that it would deter the jig's intended or desired
action. In some cases, 10-pound test line may be too heavy a line with such
a light jig-n-pig combo. On the other hand, a 1/2-ounce jig combo on
12-pound test line will cause the lure to drop like a rock Again,
diminishing the lure's natural seductive action. I have found a good
general purpose fall rate to be between 1 - 1-1/2 seconds per foot. But
nothing is set in concrete when it comes to fishing.

Remember in fishing, DEPTH is the most important factor in catching fish,
followed very quickly by LURE SPEED. Fall rate, skirt & trailer waving
speed, lure movement along the bottom, etc., are all speed factors. DEPTH
(40%), SPEED (20%), SIZE (15%), ACTION/SOUND (15%), COLOR (7%), SMELL (2%),
TASTE (1%). The more of these factors you get right, the more fish you will
catch. I threw on a percentage scale on each factor that "I" feel you can
judge your odds of catching a fish. In other words if you get the right
depth, speed, and action right, you have a 75% chance of catch a fish.

--
Craig Baugher
Be Confident, Focused, but most of all Have FUN!