Question

Last couple of times I've been out I've have quite a few times where when I see a bite, set the hook, feel the fish for just a moment, then it's off. Am I setting the hook too soon?

Them cheap poles got to much play in the tip plus they to long for you.

Ha ha ha.
Don't think that's it since I put the Hersom on em :)
They are pretty long though. Gotta stand up to get a good set lol

"Small guy with a big set." Tombstone epitaph material right there!!
Or maybe "Standup guy with a big set".

Gar !

Are the scales missing off the the back half of the minner? I agree on the gar too, but have had times where they would hold the minner. If the fish aren't feeding actively (already stuffed full or baro change) they will just grab it because it is there in their face. Have had them hold the minner all the way to the surface before just letting it go. Could see the jig completely out of the fishes mouth and was never hooked. Just one of those things sometimes, but they might just letting go if you are actually standing up to set the hook!!!!!!

Sometimes when a crappie is not actively feeding, they will slap at the bait to wound it. That's why some days you have a bunch of foul hooked fish when pulling cranks.

You need shorter rod racks if you are having to stand up to set the hook. Prolly just a short bite is all.

most times the minner is alive--sometimes they are missing scales. Don't really think it is gar--never hooked one though. I was thinking along the lines of them just not being very active?

and the standing up to set the hook was a joke (mostly)