|
Jigging is a fundamental fishing technique used on almost every fish that swims in fresh water, as well as several saltwater species. It involves using a family of artificial lures referred to as “jigs.” Fish can be caught with jigs in any season, in warm or cold water. Unlike other artificial lures, such as plugs, spinners, surface lures or flies, jigs have little or no “action” on their own. It is up to the angler to produce the right action and fish-attracting movement that will result in a strike. Though many jigs do not appear to represent any particular insect, minnow or other water-born object, when presented properly fish often see jigs as live, wriggling, swimming creatures that make for an easy meal.
Jigs
Jigs come in all shapes and sizes, but the three key elements of any jig are the head, the hook and the body. The head is made from a heavy substance, usually lead, that forces the lure to sink once it hits the water. Jigheads can be slanted, ball-shaped, oval-shaped, keeled, bullet-shaped or coin-shaped. The shape and weight of the head helps distinguish one jig from another. The hook is molded inside the head, forming one balanced piece. The body is made up of whatever material is placed between the head and hook, such as soft plastic, bucktail feathers, marabou, rubber, silicone or nylon.
Jigs range in size from 1/64 to 6 ounces and should be selected based on the species of fish sought and the depth of the water. In general, for panfish and other small species, jig sizes will range from 1/64 to < ounce; bass, walleye and trout jigs range from < to 1 ounce; and pike, muskie and other large species can be taken on jigs heavier than 2 ounces.
Color selection is important, so the jig can be easily seen underwater. On sunny days, a bright colored jig is most effective. During overcast skies, darker jigs work best. Depending on the clarity of the water, a combination of colors can be used. In murkier waters, darker colors work best. In clearer waters, lighter colors work well.
Jigging Equipment
Matching the jig with the correct line, rod and reel is crucial to effective jigging. A jig can be fished effectively with spinning, bait-casting or spin-casting tackle. The rod should be stiff enough to deliver action to the jig, sensitive enough to detect light bites, and heavy enough to ensure solid hook sets. A reel with a fast retrieve speed is recommended because it allows the angler to reel in slack line while the jig is falling, an important factor in detecting strikes. Line should be selected so that it balances well with the rod and reel and won’t interfere with the jig’s action, or the angler’s ability to detect a strike. In general, use the lightest weight line possible.
How to Jig
The basic method used for jig fishing involves casting the jig beyond the intended target, allowing it to flutter down toward the target, and “hopping” the jig and swimming it in and around where the fish are likely to be. In many cases, a vertical jigging technique is required, especially when fishing deep water or ice fishing. With vertical jigging, the angler makes a short cast (or no cast at all) and allows the jig to drop to the desired depth. Once it reaches a given depth, the jig is worked over and over again on the same cast within the given depth or depth range.
Jigs should be worked slowly and methodically in most cases, often pausing between “hops.” This is accomplished by raising the rod tip to the 12 o’clock position and dropping it to 9 o’clock. Fish will almost always strike a jig as it falls, although many strikes occur as a jig rests on the bottom or motionless. Few, if any, strikes occur when the jig is rising.
Presentation Tips
Cast the jig out making sure to not allow any slack in the line. Most strikes occur as the jig is falling toward the bottom and if slack is in the line a strike might go unnoticed. Following the lure down with the rod tip while reeling in extra line will reduce slack.
If there is no strike as the lure is descending to the bottom, pull the lure up from the bottom and let it freefall back to the starting position or let it set on the bottom for a short time.
When fishing around structure or cover, keep the lure as close as possible to the structure and follow it down.
Do not give up on a promising spot if it doesn’t produce fish immediately. Try fishing the area from different angles before moving to a new spot.
Strikes can be detected by feeling the fish bite the lure or seeing the line twitch, wiggle or move sideways. Once a strike is detected set the hook by pulling back sharply on your rod.
Jigging Pointers
Use the smallest, lightest jig possible for any given conditions, but keep in mind that the jig needs enough weight to penetrate the type of cover or depth being fished.
In order to be successful at jigging, anglers need to concentrate on their line and know where their lure is or they will miss many strikes.
Jigs are surprisingly snag-proof when fishing in heavy cover, but if you do get hung up, try slowly jiggling the lure free instead of jerking the line. Jigheads with built-in weed- and brush-guards can help avoid the problem.
Bait, or trailers, can also be added to the back of jigs for extra appeal. For bass, pork rinds and pork eels cut in a wedge shape like a frog are popular additions. This combination is called a “jig-and-pig.” Small plastic crawfish threaded onto the jig hook are also effective trailers. For walleye, many anglers “tip” their jigs with live nightcrawlers, minnows or leeches. Crappie fishermen often tip jigs with small minnows.
Double jig rigs are often effective, because many game fish, especially crappies and other panfish, are used to chasing schools of baitfish. When using two jigs, it is important to have a strong connection and some rigidity to keep the lure away from the line or leader.
Many beginners tend to give up on jigs after several casts. Jigging, like any other method, requires patience and practice. Try devoting an entire outing to fishing jigs only. No matter what species an angler is after, there are times when a jig is the only lure that will work, so it pays to become good at jig fishing. Once an angler learns how to fish with jigs, confidence will soar and more fish will be caught.
|
