With nearly an infinite amount of possibilities and the massive amounts of success, anglers have had, it is no wonder why the jig is the most popular bass lure. Jigs are simple lures that take tons of practice to master. The following information will give you a head start on the competition to land that trophy bass.
What gear do you need?
When fishing jigs you will want a high ratio bait caster, although you can successfully fish with a ratio as low as 6:1 it is preferable to have 7:1 or higher. Most of the action imparted to the jig is from the rod itself, so you need the high ratio to take up slack fast once a fish decides to bite. You can get away with using a spinning reel but with the higher test lines, bait casters are the better choice.
The best rod for fishing jigs is between 7’ and 7’6”, you will want a rod with fast action and a higher power. This is to give your jig the most action while giving you the power for good hook sets and to get the bass out of the weeds fast.
Types of Jigs
Below are some of the most common styles of jigs you will see when bass fishing. The weights of the jig will be dependent on local lake depths, currents, weather conditions, etc.
Round Jig: the classic bass jig with a round head and weed guard
Football Jig: a heavier jig with a football-shaped head for fishing in heavy cover or deeper water.
Skirted Jig: a round jig with a skirt that adds more bulk and provides additional movement in the water.
Shakey Head Jig: a finesse jig with a straight shank hook and a round head, used for a slow, subtle presentation.
Benefits of fishing a jig
One of the main benefits of fishing with jigs is the variety of ways it can be fished, such as swimming, flipping, pitching, or dragging. Many jigs also have a weed guard which helps avoid snags while fishing heavy cover.
The natural presentation of a jig mimics the movements and appearance of baitfish which will trigger reaction strikes from bass. Pairing your jig with a soft plastic trailer can enhance these benefits even more while giving the jig even more action that will surely get the attention of nearby bass.
Best patterns for fishing with a jig
The best pattern for a jig comes down to your local lake, time of year, and weather patterns. It is always a good idea to match the local forage as much as possible. If you are fishing during the crawfish spawn that is the best pattern to start with. You can always try variations of a pattern, different trailers, and retrieve tactics until you can discover what is working.
How to retrieve a jig
There are many ways to retrieve jigs to get that trophy bass. Each way has its advantages and will be superior depending on the situation and current conditions.
Slow and Steady: a slow, continuous retrieve is good for a finesse approach or when fishing in clear water.
Drag and Hop: drag the jig along the bottom, then quickly lift the rod tip to hop the jig and mimic a fleeing baitfish.
Swimming: retrieve the jig with a swimming motion, such as a steady retrieve with twitches, to imitate a swimming baitfish.
Flipping and Pitching: flip or pitch the jig into heavy cover and retrieve it slowly with pauses and hops to trigger strikes from hiding bass.
Jerking: make short, sharp pulls on the rod to create a jerking motion, good for triggering reaction strikes or fishing in murky water.
Bottom Bouncing: retrieve the jig with a bouncing motion along the bottom, good for fishing in deep water or around heavy cover.
Tips for fishing with jigs
Pay attention to the cover: cast jigs near the cover such as rocks, logs, and weed beds.
Vary retrieve speed: match the speed to the mood of the fish, or try a slow and steady retrieve for a finesse approach.
Use different trailers: change up the trailer, such as a soft plastic worm or crawfish, to adjust the presentation and trigger strikes.
Pay attention to depth: adjust the size and weight of the jig to fish at different depths.
Experiment with colors: choose colors that match the hatch, or switch to brighter colors when fishing stained or murky water.
Final Thoughts
Bass fishing with jigs takes time and lots of practice to master. New products are coming to the market and new styles of fishing jigs are being created every year. With a lure as versatile as the jig is, it is important to try and master the art. Whether you are fishing a Bass Master Classic or just killing some time down by the shore a jig gets the job done!
