Jig presentation question(s)

[kevinb]

In the attempt to be a better basser in '09,I'm opening up to new baits and techniques.
I always use cranks and do o.k.,keyword...(OK)

I have a few jigs and recently purchased a few more. I'm familiar with bottom bouncing,but is there ever
a time when you just cast it out and slowly drag it on the bottom? Maybe throw in a slight twitch every now and then?
Do you ever add a little extra on your jigs?,such as adding a worm/trailer.

I'm typing this half asleep..I have a few more questions but magically forgot what

[Ditch Pickler]

In the attempt to be a better basser in '09,I'm opening up to new baits and techniques.
I always use cranks and do o.k.,keyword...(OK)

I have a few jigs and recently purchased a few more. I'm familiar with bottom bouncing,but is there ever
a time when you just cast it out and slowly drag it on the bottom? Maybe throw in a slight twitch every now and then?
Do you ever add a little extra on your jigs?,such as adding a worm/trailer.

I'm typing this half asleep..I have a few more questions but magically forgot what

slow drag, fast drag twitchin....just switch up your techniques if one isnt producing...

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

Wonders how Kevin read my mind ... was an exact question i had been thinking about except i am trying to do other things besides plastics all the time.

[kzoo]

Traditionally jigs were used for flipping and pitching some type of cover. I always have some sort of trailer, usually plastic, they say to use pork in the cold waters (more action). The flip or pitch isn't really a far cast, and typically get bites on the initial fall and you do get some bites by hoping or crawling the jig back depending on the bass's mood. Now, some guys like to cast a far distance and drag it over rocks or they swim it like a bait fish. Everything depends on the situation, if your casting and dragging, you probably need some rocks or wood on a flat or a point.

One more thing about the jig, I use to use jigs from spring through summer, but since I moved out here to the NW, I just throw it during the spring.

[Ditch Pickler]

One more thing about the jig, I use to use jigs from spring through summer, but since I moved out here to the NW, I just throw it during the spring.

I as well only use jigs during spring.

[A9]

Depends...I've used it a few ways...These methods mostly:
-Standard twitch and retrieve. Vary speed when you are finding something that isn't producing, and mimic something when it pays off. Slow down, speed up, bigger twitches, smaller twitches, etc., are all actions of the jig you can vary.
-Swim it like a baitfish.
-Crawl it across the bottom.
-Fishing it REAL slow. Let the jig sit there for a few seconds and barely move it when you do put some action in it. You'd be surprised, but you do get hits when leaving a jig sitting there for a 5-10 seconds.

One nice thing abuot jigs is that you are usually going to avoid the dinks and find more quality fish....

I love using jigs with a double tailed grub for a trailer for smallies

[tagwatson360]

Jigs will catch quality fish year round. What will vary from season to season are the areas you throw the jig, as well as the style, skirt color, strand count, weight and jig trailer you use. For this reason, I own a few hundred skirted jigs. These include finesse jigs, flipping jigs, arkie jigs, hair jigs, football head jigs, swimming jigs, punching jigs, etc. I catch quality jig fish in 14 inches of water as well as 50+ feet of water. Your imagination is the only limit to the areas you can throw jigs and the ways you can fish them. You can flip, pitch, cast, skip, stroke (rip off the bottom to trigger a reaction strike), drag, crawl, dead stick, shake and even swim your jigs. They are effective in and around all forms of cover and bottom compositions, including featureless mud, sand and gravel bottoms. They excel in water clarities ranging from crystal clear to heavily stained and in all water temperatures.

My best advice to the beginning jig fisherman is to purchase a selection of quality jigs in a few different styles and throw them religously. You will learn their subtle nuances and develop confidence over time. I guarantee if you stick with them you will catch BIG fish!

Good luck.

[BassinBomber]

"Tizzel-In-Da-Hizzel",..good advice once again TW!

BB

[BassFanatic]

Everyone on here has had great advice on techniques of how to catch these winter bass which is tough, But what has worked for me during the fall on working a jig is make it presentable, work it slow make the bait appealing. That's what worked for me during the fall Now winter bassing is a whole different story in my opinion.

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

Jigs will catch quality fish year round. What will vary from season to season are the areas you throw the jig, as well as the style, skirt color, strand count, weight and jig trailer you use. For this reason, I own a few hundred skirted jigs. These include finesse jigs, flipping jigs, arkie jigs, hair jigs, football head jigs, swimming jigs, punching jigs, etc. I catch quality jig fish in 14 inches of water as well as 50+ feet of water. Your imagination is the only limit to the areas you can throw jigs and the ways you can fish them. You can flip, pitch, cast, skip, stroke (rip off the bottom to trigger a reaction strike), drag, crawl, dead stick, shake and even swim your jigs. They are effective in and around all forms of cover and bottom compositions, including featureless mud, sand and gravel bottoms. They excel in water clarities ranging from crystal clear to heavily stained and in all water temperatures.

My best advice to the beginning jig fisherman is to purchase a selection of quality jigs in a few different styles and throw them religously. You will learn their subtle nuances and develop confidence over time. I guarantee if you stick with them you will catch BIG fish!

Good luck.

Tag ... that was great advice and I will be working on sticking to them this year more and not quickly going back to the plastics when I get frustrated. I think that is my biggest problem now is not knowing when to keep with a specific method. great info everyone and though I didnt start this post like all the threads it is very helpful.

[kevinb]

Thanks for all the info,I'm hoping to get out this weekend and give it a shot. I'm not expecting
miracles but at least a jump start/practice to the season.

Hey Tag, when does the book come out or will it be a video? haha, great stuff again and a big
thanks to you as well

[Anglinarcher]

Thanks for all the info,I'm hoping to get out this weekend and give it a shot. I'm not expecting
miracles but at least a jump start/practice to the season.

Hey Tag, when does the book come out or will it be a video? haha, great stuff again and a big
thanks to you as well

Keep in mind that this time of year a JIG is probably the best to use, but keep it slow and tight, and I do mean tight, to cover.

As a rule, if you are not snagging you are not fishing. This is especially true for LMBs and SMBs this time of year.

[kevinb]

Thanks for all the info,I'm hoping to get out this weekend and give it a shot. I'm not expecting
miracles but at least a jump start/practice to the season.

Hey Tag, when does the book come out or will it be a video? haha, great stuff again and a big
thanks to you as well

Keep in mind that this time of year a JIG is probably the best to use, but keep it slow and tight, and I do mean tight, to cover.

As a rule, if you are not snagging you are not fishing. This is especially true for LMBs and SMBs this time of year.

Thanks Anglinarcher

I hope Sunday will produce but I'm expecting to be more of a "Practice" run.
I want to hit Fivemile in Federal Way...the only problem is I have no idea what this lake looks like on the bottom...in
terms of structure,I'm convinced that most of the bottom is mud and weeds. Not sure if theirs much downed timber
or anything like that. Worse case scenario I end up catching perch and crappie....no complaints here!

[Nik]

I've had some luck swimming jigs. i would cut the head off a Zoom Horny Toad and use the body/legs as a trailer. looks pretty sweet in the water; i would just steady reel it with some pauses and hops. Last year Zoom read my mind and came out with the ultravibe trailers that are basically the legs of a horny toad. As far as trailers i use one on a jig 100% of the time. I didn't have a lot of success with a jig last year though for some reason. Lately i've found a texas rigged creature bait to be a lot more productive, and a lot more snag proof.

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

[quote="Nik"]I've had some luck swimming jigs. i would cut the head off a Zoom Horny Toad and use the body/legs as a trailer. looks pretty sweet in the water]

I have been using the creature baits alot as well. Both weightless and texas rigged. It has become one of my favorites to throw as it is a very versatile bait. I do have to agree that I cant see throwing a jig without a trailer. It looks like an awesome presentation ... still have to get my hookset in the lip of a bass with a jig but will this year.

[tagwatson360]

Just a little food for thought for those who are wanting to learn or improve their jig fishing:

The rod you use is very important for accuracy, strike detection, hook penetration and landing fish when pitching, flipping or casting a jig. I prefer a 7'6" Med Heavy or Heavy rod if I am predominantly pitching a jig around cover. If I am going to be predominantly flipping, I like an 8' Heavy action flipping stick for a little extra distance on my flips and additional leverage for hauling the fish out of thick cover. If I am flipping with braid I prefer a Med/Heavy Action rod with more of a parablic bend to absorb some of the shock on the hookset. When using braid, flipping with a rod that is too stiff will inevitably cost you lost fish. For pitching and casting finesse jigs, throwing football heads and swimming jigs I like a 7' to 7'2" Medium to Medium/Heavy action rod.

Line selection is very important as well. For pitching and flipping I would recommend 17, 20 and 25 lb. fluorocarbon as well as 50 and 65 braid. For finesse jigs and football head jigs, 12 to 15 lb. fluorocarbon will fit the bill nicely. For my swimming jigs, 15, 17 and 20 lb. fluoro get the call, along with 30 lb. braid.

This is all personal preference and can vary depending on the conditions, but I think this is a pretty good template for starters. One of the biggest mistakes I see beginning jig fishermen make is not using the proper equipment. This often leads to poor strike detection, missed or lost fish, frustration and lack of confidence in the technique.

Jig fishing is definitely a technique where all the details matter. In my opinion, it is one of the most fun ways to catch 'em and you can gain confidence VERY quickly with just a couple nice fish. I hope you find some of this information helpful.

Good luck!

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

Great post again Tag ... I often forget about the equipment powering the lure I am using ... makes note to self to start keeping that in mind as well.