There’s a place for jig fishing in every article and piece of advice regarding lures for Bass. In fact, this is the case for most other species as well. The US military even packs a jig hook and line in their survival kits!
The versatility and effectiveness of jig fishing is something each angler should relish. And, as Bass is the most popular game fish out there, it’s no surprise that these creatures are susceptible to being caught this way.
In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why jigs are so effective for Bass – and just about any other species. We’ll work through the different styles, rigging, and ways to fish a jig, along with much more. While there are many other types and styles of lures that may seem more exciting and unique, every single angler should carry and deploy jigs with some regularity. Read on to find out why!
Why Jig Fishing Is Deadly for Bass
The versatility of jigs in terms of fishing styles makes them effective across a wide range of conditions. You can fish a jig in a static manner, swim and retrieve it, or bounce it vertically. Jigs have a unique ability to cover a wide range of depths in the water column.
They’re focused on specific depths when fished in a static manner but can cover a much broader range when bouncing or swimming. The ability to target or explore different depths gives you an edge when Bass fishing.
The simplicity of a jig also makes them especially easy to rig. The weight is moulded on your hook and this means you won’t need any special hardware or complex rigging systems. Simply clip or tie your line to the hook eye and start fishing!
Bass are sensitive to conditions and jigs are a great match because anglers can fish them to match the mood. Speed up, slow down, swim, or go vertical depending on what you think is the best approach. Jigs have great movement and you can change colors and materials based on what’s most appropriate at the moment.
Types of Jigs to Catch Bass
I’d argue that pretty much any jig is capable of catching a Bass. Some designs and material choices are certainly more suited to the predatory nature of most Bass species but the nice thing about jigs is the ability to switch between finesse and more aggressive fishing styles.
Soft Plastic
Most modern jigs use very realistic moulded soft plastics. They look extremely lively and you’ll find imitations for everything from worms to crayfish. Injected moulds have made these imitations a game changer – and they even come with scent embedded in the materials! You can purchase jig hooks and add soft plastics separately or buy pre-configured options.
Bucktail and Marabou Jigs
The classic jig uses a section of bucktail to form the tail. It’s extremely basic but the bucktail looks fantastic in the water. White is the old standard but you can find bucktails in just about any color. This is a great material that’s durable, affordable, and makes for a beautiful jig.
Marabou is another solid Bass fishing jig. It undulates and offers a ton of natural action in the water. Like bucktail, it’s affordable and comes in many different color configurations.
Skirt-style Jigs
Skirts use a bunch or rubber legs to create action off the hook. They’re abundant and work with every style of jig hook. If you tie your own jigs, buying the skirts and securing them to a hook shank is very easy. Most tackle shops will have plenty of jig hooks with skirts ready to fish, too.
Baited Jigs
Lastly, fishing a jig hook with live or cut bait is a deadly approach. Simply carry some bare jig hooks in a weight that matches your rod and thread on bait as you would with any other hook. Fish static or cast and retrieve to target Bass in any environment. After all, nothing beats the real deal!
Jig Head Styles
While the material attached to the hook is important, it’s the head style that determines how your Bass fishing jig swims. There are a few fundamental shapes for different styles of jig fishing. They influence casting, action, and your general approach to jig fishing.
Ball Head
The old standard is a lead ball moulded onto a hook. This remains adequate but there are better shapes and designs for casting and pushing more water on modern profile jigs. The trusted ball head remains as an excellent choice for finesse fishing and using smaller bait options like mealworms.
Swim Jig
When you want to cover ground, look to swim jigs. They have a slender head design that’s more streamlined for cutting through water. It offers a great action and profile that will drop deep and cut upward sharply when the rod tip is lifted. You can fish these with an aggressive action but they really shine when a little more finesse is required to elicit a strike.
Football Jig
It’s no secret that some of the largest Bass caught are hunkered down deep, holding tight to the bottom. The position gives them an advantage for striking at prey that moves on or just above the bottom layer of a lake or river. The shape and weight of a football jig is designed to bounce along the bottom, targeting these fish.
This kind of Bass fishing jig has a broader head design that can push through obstacles while bopping along the bottom of any waterway. Using models with an integrated weed guard can help to keep a clean hook while working through difficult terrain.
Flipping Jigs
If you’re an expert at pitching and flipping lures to reach Bass in deeper cover, this fishing rig is for you. Flipping jigs come in head shapes that are either rounded or teardrop, and the choice between each is a matter of preference. They have a brush-style weed guard integrated into the moulded head and are great at swimming through weed beds and grass flats.
When to Fish Jigs for Bass
Jigs compete with some very attractive crankbaits, spoons, spinnerbaits and other lures in most Bass fishing tackle boxes. Bass anglers also love Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, and other ways of targeting Bass in weeded areas.
While every lure and rig has a place, jigs really shine in a few specific instances. Look to jigs when the water is cold and fish are suspended. You can drop a jig right in the strike zone and bounce it there until a fish is triggered.
Also consider using a jig when you need to cut a narrow path but still want plenty of action. Where some lures move side to side and have more snag potential, a jig can slice through that channel in the weeds with less snagging.
That being said, there really is never a bad time to break out your jig box when Bass fishing. These are just a few moments when the lures will really produce and outperform other options!
Don’t Forget Your Jigs on Your Next Bass Fishing Trip!
When the big baits and lures aren’t getting the job done, switch to jigs. It’s hard to miss and they offer a little extra confidence under difficult conditions. Carry a variety of head styles with weights that match your favorite rods. The ability to tie on a simple jig and cast it out is always a fun way to target every variety of Bass. Get out there and try it!
What are your go-to jigs for Bass fishing and what types of Bass are you targeting? We’d love to hear about your approach in the comments below!
The post How to Go Jig Fishing for Bass: An Angler’s Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
https://ift.tt/Ycx3gSs
0 Comments
Enregistrer un commentaire