Jig Fishin' Basics

by Falconrod

Most everyone relates to the "jig-n-pig" when it comes to talking about jig fishing. This is the most commonly used type in bass fishing, so we'll spend most of the article focused on how to use this set-up. The type of gear used for this style of fishing is very specific application oriented. You'll want 7' to 7 1/2' Heavy rods, baitcasting reels because of the stronger gearing, and line anywhere from 20# to 50# test. Jig fishing is not for casual fisherman, nor is it for the impatient, I want to catch fish now, type either.

For those of us that have the patience and understanding of jig fishing, the rewards can be tremendous. More times than not your personal best will come from jig fishing. This type of fishing is for the larger bass, though it is not for catching the quantityof bass that other styles will produce.

Though the most common size of a jig is 3/8oz, they come in all shapes and sizes. You have the "bitsy bug" small jigs, swimmin' jigs, football head jigs, casting jigs, hair jigs, finesse jigs, rattlin' jigs, etc etc. There is a jig for every situation.By adding a trailer, you can add bulk and size to your big hawg inviting bait. There are two main types of trailers that you can use. Plastic and pork. Plasitic is generally easier to use and has a much better variety of colors and styles to choose from. However, when you use the plastic on your jigs in cold water, the plastic becomes stiff and less life like. Pork, on the other hand, won't stiffen up in the cold water condition and will be more enticing to the bass, plus, it has a more natural feel and the bass will have a tendency to hold on to it a little longer allowing you a better chance to set the hook.

The most common presentation for using the jig is by pitchin' or flippin'. This style of fishing is close quarter fishing. You'll be very close to your prey. Since your proximity to the bass is so close, you'll have to be very quiet and stealthy. You can't make splashes when your bait enters the water or you'll scare off the bass. This type of presentation requires alot of practice and patience. I was fortunate enough (or unfortunate) to get appendicitis. Stuck in the house for 6 weeks with nothing to do but pitch and flip. With that amount of practice you'll be able to hit a teacup with no problem.

One application where casting a jig is common is when you have a flooded impoundment that has an old river bottom snaking through it. This is where the splash won't matter, and you won't be close to your fish to scare them off or make them spooky.

The way you retrieve your jig is VERY IMPORTANT. It is necessary to practice in shallow water so that you can see exactly what type of motion you are creating the jig to act like. The hopping, the twitching, the bouncing all need to be practiced where you can see what you're doing. Once you've got your habits down, then go to deeper water and fish. The standard way to move your jig is to hop it in short deliberate movements. You'll want to imitate a crawfish. This will usually require you to make several presentations to the same area. Once you've left the strike zone area, reel in and go again. Don't waste time fishing dead water.

To help gain confidence in using the jig, go to your favorite fishing area. Use your usual presentation for that area and start catching bass. Once you have the confidence that the fish are there, start using the jig. Work that jig like you practiced in shallow water and get the feel of your bait and how the fish pick it up.