when to quit the jig

[bagofdonuts]

I love to pitch and flip jigs this time of year, but sometimes wonder if i'm spending too much time with this technique and miss a more aggressive bite going on.

As i only have a few precious hours, i want to be effecient and jig fishing takes time to pick apart the cover. I tend to get in jig mode not picking up another stick, then look up and the sun is going down. just curious how others mix in a more aggressive approach.

[Angry John]

I start with a moving bait like a swim jig or just a small swim bait and then slow down to a jig.  Crankbaits are a great way to start or a spinnerbait and then slow down to pick apart an area that has fish.

[Oklahoma Mike]

The jig is a year round presentation for me. I will use it to pick apart structure or areas where I've already located fish with a search bait or electronics. Once I've worn that spot out, I will typically go on to other areas and back to a search bait. Once I've located them, I may go back to a jig again, rinse and repeat. That said, as long as the area still contains fish and they are hitting my jig, I will stick with it.

[Bluebasser86]

Not very often I feel like a jig is a bad idea. If you're struggling to get jig bites but you notice that fish are chasing your jig to the boat or eating it on the reel in, that would be a good example of when a moving bait would probably be better.

[EmersonFish]

I love fishing a jig nice and slow, but I'll eliminate the aggressive bite first before I get to that if I'm just fishing for fun, which is most of the time. If I'm working a bank now that the water temps are getting into the low 50's, I might crank around the perimeter of the cover first with a Wart or something similar, then start swimming a jig deeper in the cover, then pick up my jig and start working it slower if that doesn't produce. As the day goes on, I'll play it by ear. I also tend to use smallish (5/16oz) jigs this time of year where I fish.

[fisherrw]

Jig is a staple for me in California. especially when the fish are not in a chasing mode.

[Mr. Bassin II]

When do I quit the jig? Usually when I put the Skeeter on the trailer.  Always seem to have at least one on deck.

[RichF]

Just fish it more aggressively.  That's what I do.  I hardly ever put it down.

[S. Sass]

I always have a jig on and like others have said I try different stuff and end up back on the jig as I rotate through trying to find what they want. If they want the jig I don't put it down till I feel it has run its course in that area. Then I move and go back to search mode.  

[WRB]

What makes anyone think pre spawn bass are using heavy cover? After post spawn bass tend to more into or under cover when prey has moved in.

Flip or pitch your heart out, don't expect to catch anything...it's the wrong sea oak period.

Tom

[papajoe222]

When you read or hear someone say; If I were limited to only one bait, it'd be a jig. They rarely say that they'd only limit themselves to presenting it only one way. Although flipping and pitching may not be the best producer as far as numbers go, mixing it up with a jig will let you know how aggressive the bite is at any given time.  Swim it, drag it, stroke it, or even dead stick it. There is really no wrong way to present it. Usually, one way is better for numbers. For the big bites though, you can't beat doing exactly what you've been doing.

As WRB eluded to, location is the key and pre spawn bass move around a lot. Don't limit yourself to one presentation, or location.

[everythingthatswims]

*something about why a jig is the best and why flipping a jig is the greatest and jigs catch pigs*

[Catt]

When to quit the jig?

 

Nev'a!

Does it always produce? No! But I still got on the deck 24/7/365!

[MDBowHunter]

 Never, I always have a jig rod with me.

[Turtle135]

I can't help you. I am addicted to fishing jigs as well. Most days on the water I am not looking for numbers of bass. I prefer fishing for a few good size ones or just one monster would make the day for me as well. There is something about the simplicity of fishing a jig that appeals to me. I know that on some days I am passing on a hot bite but in the back of my mind when I set the jig down I feel like I am missing an opportunity to catch a personal best.

[RichF]

9 hours ago, WRB said:

What makes anyone think pre spawn bass are using heavy cover? After post spawn bass tend to more into or under cover when prey has moved in.

Flip or pitch your heart out, don't expect to catch anything...it's the wrong sea oak period.

Tom

 

This must be a Cali-only deal.  I catch plenty of pre-spawn bass pitching a jig around cover.

[RB 77]

NEVER! Ha! I always have at least one tied up on the deck of the boat. Now whether I'm actively throwing it or not is another story. Of course the old cliche dictates that one, I let the fish "tell me" whether to keep throwing it or not. The thing about the jig is it is so addictive to fish. Its all about that "thud" when they hit the dang thing!

[WRB]

I catch in cover during the winter on jigs also, not shallow flipping cover unless it's the Delta where bass don't have deep water to winter in. Deep cover and structure is where bass locate during winter and slowly transition up into shallower water everywhere.

Fish jigs where the are, not where they ani't. Feed em jigs when they want to eat them, can't force em! It's all about strike detection, thuds are rare.

Tom

[bagofdonuts]

i should have worded that differently. not talkin about quiting jig fishing, i always have one tied on. just looking for ways to mix in a more aggressive approach during the day. should have asked when do you pick up another rod and lay the flippin stick down during the day. its hard for me to get out of the slow methodical rythm of pitching and move or switch up. 

 

around here alot of bass spawn at the base of cypress and pitching a jig or plastic is a great way to fish for them. eliminating a jungle of cypress can be time consuming tho. 

[S. Sass]

Simple answer: Are you having a relaxing good time fishing? If so your using the jig just perfect. If you're not then the minute you feel it's not very relaxing and fun then I'd switch to another rod. 

[Siebert Outdoors]

I never take the jig rod off the deck.  At times and certain locations it is not the ideal bait but that location always changes as you move.  Adapt to the situation at hand.

[Catt]

15 hours ago, WRB said:

What makes anyone think pre spawn bass are using heavy cover? After post spawn bass tend to more into or under cover when prey has moved in.

Flip or pitch your heart out, don't expect to catch anything...it's the wrong sea oak period.

Tom

 

Buck Brush on Toledo Bend & reeds in Lacassine; both are full if beds

[WRB]

4 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Buck Brush on Toledo Bend & reeds in Lacassine; both are full if beds

Not during the winter! wrong sea oak  need to put on my reading glasses! wrong seasonal period works.

[Columbia Craw]

I think some lures shine over other depending on the situation. How the fish set up will drive the way I fish a jig, but the jig is very versatile and that's what makes it so effective. 

[Jeff H]

On 2/24/2017 at 10:43 AM, bagofdonuts said:

i should have worded that differently. not talkin about quiting jig fishing, i always have one tied on. just looking for ways to mix in a more aggressive approach during the day. should have asked when do you pick up another rod and lay the flippin stick down during the day. its hard for me to get out of the slow methodical rythm of pitching and move or switch up. 

 

around here alot of bass spawn at the base of cypress and pitching a jig or plastic is a great way to fish for them. eliminating a jungle of cypress can be time consuming tho. 

I think you worded it just fine.  It just got pulled down a different road as lots of threads tend to and once the first person takes it there others usually follow. 

 

For me it's pretty simple....if it's spotty or just not happening, move on to something else and maybe try it again later if conditions change.  I love to pitch heavy cover but I'll get off of it if I'm not getting bit.