Tips For New Jig Fisherman.

[Rhino68W]

I bank fish ponds a lot. And I have been wanting to try jigs, but literally have no idea where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Coherence]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12403-jig-fishing-questions/ - jig fishing questions thread

 

Decent starting place - tons of helpful hints/tips, should help you gain an understanding of jig fishing. There are also a couple of videos here on the site that show you a bunch of "how to"'s regarding jig fishing...

 

I'd start with this one http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/jig-fishing.html

 

Tons of information between the videos and the forum link - should get your headed in the right direction if you take the time to read/digest the information available - good luck!

[BrianinMD]

1. don't get caught up with colors, black/blue is a general favorite. Otherwise stick to colors similiar to other baits you have success with.

2. bites can be hard to detect, in the beginning any tick in the line you feel, mushy feeling, odd line movement, etc set the hook hard and fast. hook sets are free don't be worried about whether it was a bite if that question comes to mind you should be swinging.

3. used at least a MH rod with a fast to x-fast action, the most sensitive one you have.

4. stick to at least 15lb line, more if there are a lot of things to get snagged or wrapped around.

5. try different retrieves, from dragging it, hopping it, different speeds until you figure out what they want

 

I am sure others will reply with there thoughts, but this is my 2cents....

[Sam]

And think like a crawfish in your area!

[Todd2]

1. don't get caught up with colors, black/blue is a general favorite. Otherwise stick to colors similiar to other baits you have success with.

2. bites can be hard to detect, in the beginning any tick in the line you feel, mushy feeling, odd line movement, etc set the hook hard and fast. hook sets are free don't be worried about whether it was a bite if that question comes to mind you should be swinging.

3. used at least a MH rod with a fast to x-fast action, the most sensitive one you have.

4. stick to at least 15lb line, more if there are a lot of things to get snagged or wrapped around.

5. try different retrieves, from dragging it, hopping it, different speeds until you figure out what they want

I am sure others will reply with there thoughts, but this is my 2cents....

I like this answer. The only thing I'd add is sometimes the best "retrieve" is to let it fall next to vertical cover (standing timber/bridge pilings, etc.)

[iceintheveins]

The only colors I have are green pumpkin, black/blue, and brown/orange. I like to match the color of the trailer to the jig. The rage chunks and paca chunks are the best trailers imo. A bite is generally a tick, movement in the line, or a feeling of weightlessness if the bass takes the jig and swims toward you.

 

The best way to fish jigs is to learn to pitch. Docks, logs, brush, rip rap banks, and weedlines are the best areas to fish a jig imo. Pitch it to the target, let it sink of a semi slack line to the bottom, shake it, and then hop it up 1 - 3 times off the bottom, then reel in and make another pitch. Once you get comfortable and catch a few fish off it, it will be one of the first lures you reach for.

 

I like to use the lightest jig I can get away with because a slow fall generally seems to get more hits. In calm wind in 12' of water or under, I use a 1/4 ounce jig. In deeper water or if using heavier line over 20 pound test, a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce jig is great, or if it's too windy to use the 1/4 ounce. I use the 1/4 ounce probably 80% of the time.

[Rhino68W]

Wow, you guys are great! So now begs the question. What kind of jig should I buy? I am truly 100% new to it and don't even know what brands are good and durable.

[gulfcaptain]

PM Siebert Outdoors and he will set you up.  Got some jigs from him and he has a great selection as well as prices.  

[Brian6428]

Wow, you guys are great! So now begs the question. What kind of jig should I buy? I am truly 100% new to it and don't even know what brands are good and durable.

Just go to the local tackle store and buy a few different styles. Some brands I like when I have to buy from Bass Pro are War eagle, jewell, strike King and chompers. Once you find what head shape and color you prefer, order from Siebert Outdoors or Northstar. The jigs from these companies are cheaper and much better quality than anything you can get at bass pro. Just consider jigs to be disposable, however. I lose more jigs than any other lure, but they have accounted for probably my top 5 biggest fish.

[Nelson Wormefeller]

I'm trying for the first time tomorrow also.

[kickerfish1]

I have probably more jigs than I care to admit and more than 99% of the guys on here. I won't claim to have fished them all but I have tried a lot of brands and styles.

Having said that I typically don't toot the horn of the sponsors on here but I will for the jigs. Siebert and Northstar are near impossible to beat on quality, color choices, price, and performance not to mention durability.

I know $50 might sound like a lot of jigs but you should qualify for free shipping at this point. Best advice is to get several styles to fish in a few basic colors. Contact Mike at Siebert or Chris at Northstar and have them assist with your selections. Also don't forget a few trailer options as well.

[Rhino68W]

I'm very limited on budget. If you guys had to pick only 3 jigs with trailers, which ones would it be?

Only 3 now!!!! No cheating

[everythingthatswims]

I'm very limited on budget. If you guys had to pick only 3 jigs with trailers, which ones would it be?

Only 3 now!!!! No cheating

One of them NEEDS to be a 5/16oz baby boo jig with a zoom ultravibe speed craw for a trailer. As far as color goes, black&blue in low visibility, natural colors in good visibility. As far as normal sized jigs go, I haven't tried many brands but I like terminators the most. Any craw will make a good trailer, just come close to matching the skirt color.

[Catt]

3 ea. Siebert Grass Jig 3/8 oz Black/ Blue

1 pack Rage Tail Craw Sapphire Blue

[Zach P]

1. don't get caught up with colors, black/blue is a general favorite. Otherwise stick to colors similiar to other baits you have success with.

2. bites can be hard to detect, in the beginning any tick in the line you feel, mushy feeling, odd line movement, etc set the hook hard and fast. hook sets are free don't be worried about whether it was a bite if that question comes to mind you should be swinging.

3. used at least a MH rod with a fast to x-fast action, the most sensitive one you have.

4. stick to at least 15lb line, more if there are a lot of things to get snagged or wrapped around.

5. try different retrieves, from dragging it, hopping it, different speeds until you figure out what they want

 

I am sure others will reply with there thoughts, but this is my 2cents....

 

Great post, use this as a general rule guideline. Obviously retrieves and colors are very subjective to where you fish. Let the fish tell you how they want it Rhino68W.

[Todd2]

I'm very limited on budget. If you guys had to pick only 3 jigs with trailers, which ones would it be?

Only 3 now!!!! No cheating

Only need one.

1/2 oz arky style ..black/blue with a net bait baby paca (color of your choice)

[OK Bass Hunter]

Fished a jig for the first time in 2 or 3 three years on Sunday. I used a 3/8ths jig with a Baby Rage Craw as a trailer. The best advice I can give is watch your line and especially on the fall. I had quite a few bites as soon as the jig hit the water. If you're unsure if it's a bite, set the hook. I don't know how many fish I missed because of this. Ended up catching my biggest fish of the summer this way.

 

My suggestions  Brown and Green jig, Black and Blue jig and a pack of Baby Rage Craws.

 

 

[Rhino68W]

That's a good fish!

Skirt or no skirt on the jig? The reason I'm asking is because I'm going to probably end up getting a couple strike king jigs from the local sporting good store.

[OK Bass Hunter]

Skirt on the jig for me, I like the big profile.

[Catt]

K.I.S.S.

A jig is one simplest lures yet one of the most overcomplicated by anglers!

[Catt]

OK Bass Hunter!

That's a hawg right there

[5fishlimit]

Be prepared to lose your jigs since you're fishing from the shore.

It's just part of jig fishing.