Anytime force is applied something has to give. In the case of bass fishing several factors come into play. The main factors are the bend of the rod to absorb shock, the line stretch, the movement of the fish during the hook set or the movement of the hook through the flesh and bone of the fish. The risk of loosing a fish is greatly increased when any of the formentioned factors fail to tolerate the force applied. Losing BIG fish.
Many people wonder why it is that big fish seem to get away more often than small fish.
I however do not believe it has as much to do with the wit of the fish but rather, simple physics. Take jig fishing for example. Generally in my area we use seventeen to twenty-five pound line for this type of fishing. When a bass bites a jig it usually inhales the entire bait in one quick move and, the bait will usually be well into the mouth of the fish by the time the hook is set. Most pitching rods are stiff and have little play in the tip so there is little room for force to be absorbed in the rod.