Help On Jigs?

[joshvollberg]

Hello anglers,

I am new to the bass resource community and would like to post my first topic. I would like to start fishing with jigs and would like to know how to start. I know this discussion might end up with a lot of different opinions, but that is what i am looking forward to reading about. I am willing to give it a shot and perfect a new lure. Whats a good rod setup, gear ratio, line, where should I fish it and what season? etc.. Let me know, thanks!

[ABW]

Welcome to the forums! The jig is a very good lure to use. Always catches fish for me, especially the big ones. How much are you willing to spend on the rod and reel? This will help us recommend a good combo for you that's in your price range.

 

You can fish a jig practically everywhere and any time of the year. 

[joshvollberg]

Dont want to spend more than $150. 

[ABW]

Dont want to spend more than $150. 

 

$150 isn't too bad. You could go with the BPS PQ Carbonlite combo, but that will run you about $160 Get the reel in a 6.4:1 ratio or a 7.1:1 with a 7' MH or H rod. If you are using this rod for only jigs, I would get the 7.1:1 with a H. If you want to use this rod for multiple techniques get the 6.4:1 ratio with the 7' MH. You want a high speed ratio to reel up the slack quickly, and a MH or H rod to get a good hookset.

 

When fishing jigs, you have to take in consideration that the hooks are pretty thick, and there's a weed guard in the way. You need to have the backbone to drive the hook in their mouth.

[joshvollberg]

Dink, should I only fish the jig near cover? Weeds, logs, etc. What is a good presentation for the jig? 

[ABW]

Dink, should I only fish the jig near cover? Weeds, logs, etc. What is a good presentation for the jig? 

 

No, you can fish jigs practically anywhere. Presentation all depends on what the fish want. I usually experiment by with tiny hops, dragging, and shaking it. It usually depends on the time of day / year. If the fish are super lethargic then I'm going to fish the jig super slow. If they a little more aggressive I'll fish it faster.

[WRB]

Welcome,

Go to the Fishing Tackle forum, that is where threads on jig fishing is located. There is a long thread pinned on the top of the forum page that should answer all you questions and more.

Tom

[mwh33]

Welcome to bass fishing! One of the greatest thrills. I agree with the carbonlite combo. I have a carbonlite rod and bps qualifier set up and it works well for me.

I love throwing jigs around cover, but you can fish them in multiple areas with multiple presentations. have pulled some big fish out with them. Try tossing a trailer on your jig too.

[fishva]

Welcome,

Go to the Fishing Tackle forum, that is where threads on jig fishing is located. There is a long thread pinned on the top of the forum page that should answer all you questions and more.

Tom

Seconded. I just started jig fishing this year, and that thread was all I needed to get out there and have the confidence to start catching fish.

[EmersonFish]

You will obviously find a great deal of information (too much perhaps) about it where WRB pointed you. Read that, but try not to get overwhelmed. If you are COMPLETELY new to the jig, you might even seek out a more "succinct" article that addresses the basics of the jig first. There may be one linked in the thread. I don't know. You will do well to learn the basics and get out and get some time on the water, then seek out the information you need to fine tune things as you go.

If I were starting over with jigs, my first rod would be a good quality, Medium-Heavy, fast action, casting rod, of 7' or a little longer. On your budget, I'd focus on taking advantage of the quality rods battling for your dollar at the $100 price point. That doesn't leave a ton of money for a reel, but I think the rod quality is more vital in this case. Maybe you can find one of those rods on 'closeout' like a Veritas, or get really lucky and find a 'Crucial' on clearance like a lot of guys have recently. I'd get a reel that is at least 6.4:1, preferably a little faster to pick up slack line quickly.

This is all based on my preference, and what I would recommend to start. Some people like things completely different. You'll develop your own tastes over time.