How to Fish for Bass Using a Jig Lure

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

A jig is a lure used to fish for largemouth bass. Jigs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and will work in most situations you encounter while bass fishing. Jigs can be used all year in deep or shallow water. An angler will need more experience fishing with a jig, as opposed to with a spinnerbait. but once mastered, fishing with a jig will give the angler another option when bass may not be receptive to other lures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Fish for Bass Using a Jig Lure

Things You’ll Need:

Jig Jig and pig Rubber bait bodies
Jig
Jig and pig
Rubber bait bodies

Step 1

Use as light of a jig as possible. Pick a size that will let you "feel" what the jig is doing underwater. Size up or down the line depending on fishing conditions. Water depth, current and wind are all factors that must be considered.

Step 2

Work your lure over deep-water structure and channels during winter. Target lily pad shorelines, reeds and weed beds during warmer months.

Step 3

Try using the traditional "jig and pig," but don't stop there. Instead of a pork rind trailer, try some of the soft rubber bait bodies. Use a rubber worm or a crawfish body for a trailer. Scented bodies, such as Berkley's Gulp, are good choices.

Step 4

Choose a color for the jig. Color choice is a hotly-debated subject. Experiment with different colors and draw your own conclusions. White, red and yellow are good colors with which to begin.

Step 5

Set the hook when a fish bites. Often the strike will be barely detectable. Unlike a ferocious strike on a topwater plug, a bass may gently pick up a jig. Look for a light bump of the jig and watch for line movement. Set the hook when the line feels different.

Tips & Warnings

Spinning reels are good choices when jig fishing.

Wear life vests when boating.

Resources

Jig Fishing Tips

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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