Best jig head for rocks and rip rap?

[aMurderOfCrows]

I'm sure this has been covered a 1000 times and I actually did searches with different titles and didn't get really what I was looking for.

 

The places I fish have alot of rock and rip rap bottoms and banks.  I know I'm gonna get snagged no matter what and I'm sure there are other variables but I'm looking for a jig head style thats some what snag proof on rocks.

 

I'm fairly new to bass fishing and I'm breaking away from the crankbait, spinnerbait and stepping up the jig and soft plastic action.  Thanks for the advice.

[iceintheveins]

A football head may be your best choice.

[WRB]

I would start you off using a T-rigged plastic worm or creature/craw with 1/8 to 3/16 oz bullet weight in lieu of a jig or use a sled head jig with the bullet weight molded onto the hook.

If you decide to use jigs the lighter weight 1/4 oz ball head or shaky head is a good choice to start with. Football heads work in rocks if they are not too heavy, 1/4 to 3/8 oz to start with.

Fishing jigs uphill in rocks is very difficult and takes a lot of practice, down hill is a lot easier. The trick with bottom lures is not letting them settle down into crevices and letting the line get under rocks....got to keep some line pressure to control any slack line.

Good

[Hogsticker]

Rather than trying to work uphill in the rocks from shore, consider dropping something between and along the rocks. The wacky rig is your friend. Use the lightest weight you can get away with. Make a cast, let it fall to bottom, pop and jiggle it a few times, reel up and cast to another spot. You can cover water and work it slowly. The slower the bait falls the better. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't catch fish 365 days a year and you will get hung time to time. 

[chadmack282]

Like Tom said stay pretty light so the jigs doesnt settle into the crevices & cracks as fast.

0.125 to 0.250 oz sled head is best for me depending on depth.  The bullet head finds its way through crevices & cracks much better than a wider football head.

My 0.01 cent..

[Turkey sandwich]

Football head is better than most, but I don't know of a perfect solution.  Most of the rocks I encounter are in rivers and football, rugby, or swinging rugby have been the best solutions for me.  That said, current adds a whole other element to fishing rocks.  Learning to fish these kinds of areas means you're going to lose some tackle.  I'd also suggest stocking up on these things while they're on sale and to make sure you're using a good abrasion resistant line to keep from breaking the bank.  Also, WRB's note about working any jig up hill in rocks is spot on.  

[aMurderOfCrows]

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it.  I forgot to mention I fish from a kayak.  A boat may be in the near future.

 

I've got a pile of 3/8 bitsy bug jigs I don't remember buying and a few footballs.  Planning to get out and work them.  Looking for as much info as I can get.  I have been using a bunch of Texas rig stuff as well.