Suggestions for vertical jigging rod?

[96BP]

Hello everyone, Im new to this site. I am hoping someone can help me out with the correct rod for the job.  I have been fishing smallmouth bass with a Hopkin's jigging spoon and getting some really nice fish.  However I am loosing a lot of fish.
Currently using a 7' MH rod, its fairly stiff so it handle the 3/4 and 1 oz jig well. Most bites are somewhat light with just a nice bump. If im not quick to set the hook then I wont even get a chance to fight the fish.  Once I hook them they have been getting off the hook somehow. I am wondering if I need to go to rod with a softer tip or if I should change to a shorter rod? 
What do you use for vertical jigging?
Thanks

[Wizard]

Rods are a personal choice so I expect you will get a wide spectrum of answers. I do a lot of vertical jigging in deep water. If you do it for very long, your forearm will get tired and sore. Many serious jig men will use a short rod of 5' 6" to 6'. The short rod makes it easier to vertical jig. It should have a long enough handle to rest your forearm on it for support. Finally, it will have some serious backbone to help with a hookset and a medium tip action.
You want to use your wrists to move the jig. A 3 in. wrist movement will move the jig up about 2 ft. Let it fall on a semi slack line. Set up a steady cadence with the jig.
A longer rod will move the jig more and allow a quicker retrieve to the surface but you pay a price in feel and a tiring forearm.

[Dark3]

Definatly a short rod and a jig of descent weight to account for a drift if thats what you are doing. Very similar to drop shotting.

[earldogg]

Might want to try a graphite cranking rod, a st croix avid 7' mhm or hm come to mind, just another option.gl

[caddyjoe77]

I am not a great vertical jigger.  In fact I would not consider myself a novice.  But, I picked up a Dobyns Extreme 784 ML rod that I think will work perfect for vertical jigging this winter big spoons and flutter spoons.  I also think it will work for dragging a jig on the bottom.

that is just me though and keep in mind I have only been seriously fishing again for a little over a year since I moved back to the midwest. 

[loomisguy]

One of my favorite ways to fish.. I like to pitch spoons around docks and in the stalls .  I 've found a short jig rod works best for me. something around 6'6'' with enough power to pull them through the boat lifts and over that piece of galvanived pipe thats about 5 ft down that ties the docks together but short enough not to hit the roof of the dock. Also the shorter rod helps to keep the spoon in the transducer cone if your out in the open.
    I use the dixie jet spoons , They have a decent hook (triple grip ) and I always add the Gammy g- stinger. I've heard the katsuage outbarb (megabass) hooks are good on a spoon but haven't tried them.. The death traps are another option..
  Personally I cut the swivel off and just let them twist, you have to change line every day or 2 but I think the fish like it..