Introduction
Whether you’re a beginning or experienced bass fisherman, chances are you’ve heard of jigs. They’re one of the most popular baits in the world. But what exactly is a jig? And how do they work? In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about jigs, from what they are and when you should use them to how they differ from other lures like spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
What is a jig?
Jigs are weighted lures that look like a cone, with the widest part of the cone (the head) at the top. They’re usually made of metal, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Jigs are typically fished on a light line (8-12 pound test) but can be used with heavier tackle if you want to fish deeper water or bigger fish.
Anglers have used jigs for decades to catch bass, which is especially effective during spring when most other methods aren’t working very well because the bass isn’t actively feeding yet. If you’ve never fished with jigs before, though, there are some things you’ll want to know before getting started!
Choose your jig based on the fishing conditions.
- Choose your jig based on the fishing conditions.
- When fishing in deep water, look for a heavy jig that will sink quickly to the bottom and stay put while you reel in your catch.
- If you’re fishing near structures such as rocks and logs, try using a lighter-weight jig (1/4-ounce or less) and make sure it has enough weight to reach the bottom but not so much that it sinks too fast.
- If you’re fishing around cover like lily pads or weeds, choose a smaller size because these items are more delicate than other types of cover.
Give the bass time to find your jig.
The key to catching big bass with jigs is to give the fish time to find your lure.
Reel in too fast, and you may spook them before they can take a bite. Cast too far out from where you want to fish, and the bass will lose interest before seeing your jig fall into their territory. Reel in slowly and let your bait fall naturally; it might be too late for them when they finally notice it!
Cast and reel in slowly.
Cast and reel in slowly. This is a great way to get the bait down deep, where the bass is most often holding.
Use a faster retrieve if you’re fishing near shallow water or along the bank, where there will be more of an opportunity for the jig to get up on top of the water and attract attention. You’ll also want to use a faster retrieve when fishing in windy conditions since it will help keep your lure above water and in sight.
The best way to get the most out of your jig is to vary your retrieval speed. Slow down when you’re near the bottom, and speeding up as you reel in will help keep your lure above water.
Use a jig and pig combination.
A jig and pig combination is another way to fish bass with jigs. This is a great method for fishing in shallow water and clear water.
- Use the same color of soft plastic and jig head, or use contrasting colors if you want to make a more subtle presentation.
- Choose the right size hook based on your plastic choice use the same size (or slightly larger) as your plastic will be.
If fishing in a clear lake, try using a black jig with white plastic. This method is very effective for catching largemouth bass during the summer months when they are most active.
Learn how to skip your jig under docks and overhangs.
Now that you know how to fish with a jig let’s discuss different ways to use them. The best way to learn is by practicing. Try fishing with different types of jigs and see what works for you. Here are some things to try:
- Use a light jig for clear water or when there are many weeds. This will allow you to see your lure better, which will help you avoid snags from weeds and submerged objects like rocks or tree stumps.
- Use heavy weights if there isn’t much vegetation in the water where you’re fishing—this prevents your bait from getting snagged on bottom debris such as logs and branches when skipping your lure under docks or overhangs, allowing you more time for catching bass rather than untangling line!
- Try using baits other than plastic worms on topwater lures; catfish love them too! When selecting which color works best during particular times throughout each day (or year), remember that reds tend to be less visible underwater but attract more attention above, while blues show up better against darker backgrounds like browns/greens/blacks but don’t stand out as well during bright sunlit hours when visibility is high enough without any assistance needed whatsoever.”
Spot areas where bass will be hiding, near rocks or ledges.
Next, you must find areas where the bass is likely to hide. Bass will often swim near rocks or ledges to avoid being caught by other predators. Use your depth finder and locate areas that are deeper than the jigging depth is set at. You can also use this same technique when ice fishing, though you’ll want to pay particular attention to any structures that might create pockets of warmer water beneath them!
Now that you’ve located some likely spots for a bite, let’s go over how to fish with jigs:
Jigs are highly effective for bass, but you must know when and where to use them.
If you’re going to do any bass fishing, you’ll need to know how jigs work. They are one of the most effective methods for catching bass, but they can also be used in other situations.
If you’re into bass fishing and want to gain an edge against other anglers who don’t use jigs or don’t use them correctly, then this guide is for you.
Jigs are used in many different situations worldwide, including rivers, lakes, oceans…and even shallow water.
Conclusion
Fishing with jigs can be a great way to catch bass. You have to know when and where they will be using them. Also, don’t forget about using other types of bait as well!