How to Fish With Jigs

Jigs are most commonly used as an attractor for large-mouth bass. But jigs also are used when fishing for other species, including saltwater fish. A jig is a hook with a weight molded onto the shank just below the eye. The weight might be round, football-shaped or oval. Jigs commonly are fished with a rubber skirt attached just below the weight and a split tail as a trailer. The split tail might be made from pig hide or plastic and resembles the claws of a crayfish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Fish With Jigs

Things You’ll Need:

7-foot heavy weight rod with reel 12-pound plus line Jig
7-foot heavy weight rod with reel
12-pound plus line
Jig

Step 1

Select a jig that will reach and stay on the bottom with out being too easily lifted by water current. Weight is a big consideration as it also is advantageous for the jig to settle slowly through the water, possibly increasing the opportunity for a strike.

Step 2

Add a rubber skirt or split tail to the jig. It is hard to go wrong with a black-and-brown combination or black-and-blue combination as both work well in various water conditions. When choosing a trailer or split tail, keep in mind natural pig materials will dry out much faster than plastic trailers.

Step 3

Cast the jig to the desired spot in the water. Allow the jig to settle to the bottom, then let it sit motionless. Raise the tip of the rod a couple of times in quick succession to imitate the movement of a crayfish.

Step 4

Guide the jig around and over structure such as stumps, limbs and rocks. Allow the jig to rest periodically, then repeat the movements. Patience is key to successful jigging.

Step 5

When a bass takes the jig, reel in any excess line and raise the rod tip to set the hook. Maintain good pressure on the line and keep the rod tip up as the fish is reeled in.

Tips & Warnings

Experiment with different jig head shapes. Each is capable of producing a different effect.

Use caution when attaching a skirt or trailer to a jig. The hook of a jig typically will be honed extremely sharp for good hook sets and easily will pierce the skin.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

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