How close... Jig fishing.

[LEWITH]

I know jig fishing stained and muddy water you can get fairly close to lay downs and docks and pitch  jigs effectively. But how close theoretically can you get to lay downs and docks without spooking fish in clearer water.  It's hard to pitch certain areas if I don't get close. Thanks for the help!

the LEW!

[Catt]

Each body of water, each type of cover, & each sky condition is different!

[shimmy]

While I know it isn't good for hook sets, I prefer to cast a long ways away. I tend to fish out of noisy boats and I think I spook a lot of big weary bass. Long casts give me the peace of mind so then if I am not catching any, I might have the wrong bait or spot.

[riverbasser]

Somewhat depends on depth. Practice is key for any of it but just stay as far away as your comfortable. Once I hit the outside of dock or lay down I move in some and work it to the bank. Can't say a distance cuz its different all the time.

[HeavyDluxe]

3 hours ago, Catt said:

Each body of water, each type of cover, & each sky condition is different!

And each fish.

[bigfruits]

try a low trajectory underhand roll cast if you feel you are just out of pitching distance and want to keep it quiet.

["hamma"]

  I fish alot of clear water, some with 20 to 30 ft clarity, so I stay as far away as I can, and still make accurate casts.

[papajoe222]

This is kind of like asking a hunter how close he can get to his prey without first asking him how long a shot he feels he can comfortably make. How close do you feel you can accurately pitch. If you can't pitch 30ft, the answer for you will be different.

I know you're asking is how close can you get before spooking the fish, but the further away you stay the better your chance of not spooking the fish.

[timsford]

It depends on the fish, the body of water, amount of boat traffic, water clarity, and other factors. I try to stay as far away as possible, but then again dee Thomas and lots of other guys have been flipping a rod length away from the fish and winning tournaments and catching countless hangs in the process for decades

[ClackerBuzz]

I go with an underhand roll cast also. or you can up ur weight from 3/8 to 1/2oz etc.

also consider backing off to 50-70ft and using a senko, drop shot or weedless Ned rig etc.  I'm shameless when it comes to getting bites. i might get broken off or be able to work them out, either way i'll learn something and make adjustments.  if the ned rig gets bit but broken off i'll see if i can duplicate it from 40ft or less until i find out their comfort zone.  clear water is definitely a bear to work with.