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It is safe to say that over the past 15 years or
so, no other fishing lure has had such an impact on bass anglers
as the jig-and-pig combination.
This lure has been an important part of my bass
fishing for years, and it seems that each year I learn something
new about fishing jigs. Although good year-round, it is especially
effective in spring.
Keep in mind that a jig is a presentation lure,
and presenting it properly is the key to more strikes. The best
presentation comes when the jig-and-pig "falls" on
the way down, which means it is an easy lure to use.
As jig fishermen work the lure near some form of
cover, most of the strikes will occur as the bait drops or falls
back to the bottom.
My most productive way to fish a jig is to make
a soft, accurate cast and let the lure fall straight to the bottom.
If I am fishing over a treetop, for example, I will let the jig
rest on top of the submerged cover.
Once the jig settles, I lift my rod tip to bring
the jig up several inches. Then I will let it fall onto the cover.
If this technique does not earn a strike, I will lift the jig
again. As it falls for the second time, I will twitch it by moving
my wrist.
If I am fishing a treetop and the lure is climbing
through it, I will usually yo-yo the jig up and down while slowly
bumping it through the branches.
When fishing jigs this way, the strike may be light.
You will only feel a heavy sensation on your line, so be ready
to set the hook. That feeling of sluggish weight may be the only
warning you will get.
A slight pull on your rod tip will start the hook
penetrating, especially if you are using a jig with a sharp hook.
Because many strikes are light, jig fishermen must concentrate
on what the lure is doing.
Anglers need about three sizes of jigs for different
water temperatures, water clarity and types of cover. The most
popular jigs in my box include a 5/16-ounce jig for water 10 feet
or less, a 7/16-ounce jig for 10 to 20 feet of water and a 9/16-ounce
jig for deeper water.
You should also have an assortment of pork trailer
colors in at least three sizes. I have seen a particular pork
size produce great results then be ignored entirely an hour later.
By changing pork size, you can alter the overall look and action
of the jig and start catching fish again. This is the reason I
carry various colors and sizes.
One of the complaints I hear most often is that
too many bass are missed when the angler is jig fishing. Here
is a tip I use to reduce missed strikes.
Most jigs are made with the hook tip pointing slightly
in or back toward the hook shaft, which means you will miss some
fish. To eliminate this, use your pliers and bend the point outward.
Now, put the jig in your hand and carefully close your fist. If
you feel the hook point as you close your hand, the jig is ready
to be fished.
If the right-colored jig-and-pig is fished at the
proper depth with an ideal presentation, you will catch more bass.
By improving your awareness of this fact, you can achieve your
goal of becoming the best jig fisherman you can be. |
