Weight size for jigs and punch baits

[Daniel Langel]

So I have a question for everyone.. how do you go about choosing weight size for jig like lures? I don't or haven't done much jig fishing so I feel like I'm completely clueless when it comes to trying to determine wherther I should choose 1/2oz 3/8oz or maybe 3/4oz jig size jigs.. the same concept for trying to figure out chatterbaits and tungsten punch weights... I'm guessing people are going to say it depends what kind of structure I'm fishing and how deep.. I have no idea how deep I am fishing usually because I have a small inflatable pontoon boat with no electronics.. but I do have some maps that I printed out on the lakes I fish and most of the time it's usually no more than 10-15ft max just because it is usually pretty shallow with lay down trees, stumps, lots of submerged vegetation Lilly pads. Also lots of various docks too. The majority of the lakes are not very big lakes but have excellent cover for hiding bass.. I'm up in western Washington just south of Seattle.. anyways any help or suggestions any can offer is so very greatly appreciated! I have learned so much from you guys already but never really did much if any jig fishing... Growing up it was always spinner bait and crankbaits when bass fishing... I feel like I'm not a  complete bass angler because jig fishing isn't such a hug staple in a bass angler arsenal.. 

[ethan-333]

If i was you i would throw 3/8 oz chatterbsits. 3/8 - 1/2 oz spinnerbaits. And anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 Oz jig and punch skirts.. maybe 3/4 oz punch if your in some thick stuff. And same for flipping weights. Sounds like your mainly fishing shallow so you shouldnt need to much weight to get to bottom quick and doesnt sound like you have any heavy mats to get through. i think i can control my flipping better with lighter weights. When i fish laydowns stuff etc. I typically usr a 3/8 oz jig or flipping weight. For maps try downloadong navionics they have some good maps to get you started

[eyedabassman]

The deeper you fish a jig I like to fish a heavy jig = for water less than 15 ft. I like to throw 1/4,3/8. and water over 15 ft. I like 1/2oz. 3/4 and up to 1 oz.! Now remember fall rate comes into play also,some days they want a slow falling jig so you go to a light jig.

[RichF]

I use 3/4oz jigs 55% of the time, 1/2 jigs 35% of the time, and 1 oz+ the rest.  I can't remember the last time I flipped a 3/8 oz jig or lighter.  For bladed jigs, I normally use 3/8 and 1/2 but will also go heavier in deeper water.  

[papajoe222]

Two things you should take into consideration when choosing a jig are the cover you'll be targeting and the wind/depth factors. The first helps you choose the style of jig and weight. With punch rigs, you want enough weight to easily penetrate the canopy. 

The second helps you determine what weight to use for presenting a jig on the bottom. You want to be able to maintain bottom contact and depth and wind will make it difficult to do so with lighter jigs.

[S. Sass]

50 minutes ago, RichF said:

 

I use 3/4oz jigs 55% of the time, 1/2 jigs 35% of the time, and 1 oz+ the rest.  I can't remember the last time I flipped a 3/8 oz jig or lighter.

 

Pretty much the same here. I don't throw the 1 oz. much but 1/2 oz is 70% of the time here. Some 3/8 oz. roughly 10% of the time and 3/4 oz. like 20% 

 

I almost always go 1/2 oz or more at the lake as its just more versatile to me having much deeper water. Bigger profile as I generally want the bigger fish. Also my lakes have little rock so the heavier jig isn't a issue so much getting hung up. 

I pretty much use 3/8 oz. in pools most of the time. Fish are generally smaller and no need to cast a mile usually. 

[Daniel Langel]

Thank so everyone so much! Can't wait to get out on the water so I can start trying these new tactics out!!

[Catt]

Rate Of Fall

[Mike L]

The conventional thinking is to use the lightest weight you can for what you're fishing...Isn't that what you've always been told?  But that's not necessarily true. 

In 3 fow with submerged grass a 3/16 should be plenty...nice slow even fall...

 

I've had more success with a 1/4 than any other..The fish will tell you how they want it, just take the time to listen 

 

 

 

Mike