Beginner jigs

[Sheamus Walsh]

What is the best way to start fishing jigs I am going to start fishing with them next year 

[MN Fisher]

@Glenn has a great video that goes through the basics.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/how-to-fish-jig.html

[NJBasstard]

For me starting with something small like a bitsy bug really helped build my confidence. I spent most of a season throwing one with a paca chunk trailer fishing it every way I could think of before I moved on and started trying different jig/trailer combos. Now years later I consider it a go-to bait and can't imagine not having one tied on.

 

In addition to Glenns video you should also check out the jig thread in the fishing tackle sub forum.

[WRB]

GYCB Hula grub jigs with twin tail Hula grubs.

Tom

[TriStateBassin106]

Bitsy Bug Green Pumpkin 

[schplurg]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

@Glenn has a great video that goes through the basics.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/how-to-fish-jig.html

That is a great video. I've seen most of Glenn's vids and I think it's time to watch 'em again.

[Finessegenics]

In terms of exact jigs to throw, I’ll suggest the War Eagle Heavy Finesse Jig. You’ll get used to that feel of a heavy jig (3/8 oz-1/2 oz) with a heavy gauge hook yet still have the smaller profile which in theory should get you more bites. You’ll hear that starting “small” is a good way to learn so I’ll just stick with that. 

[smalljaw67]

I'm going to echo the guys that already mentioned the SK Bitsy Bug. The main reason is because of bites, the hardest thing with jig fishing is learning what a bite feels like. Sometimes they will thump it hard, sometimes it is just a subtle tap, tap, and other times it feels like wet leaves or paper on your line. The smaller Bitsy bug jig will allow you to fish a jig but in a smaller profile and even smaller fish aren't deterred for hitting it. The larger jigs catch fish really well but when you are just learning I think you should start small and get a lot of bites then move up when you are comfortable.

[Catt]

10 hours ago, Sheamus Walsh said:

What is the best way to start fishing jigs

 

I would start out by throwing jigs ?

 

Name brand really doesn't matter, Bitsy Bug is a good starting place only because of price.

 

Siebert Outdoors makes quality jigs at reasonable prices & can put you a selection together based on the types of waters you fish.

[scaleface]

Read and watch videos about jigs and Texas rigs or find someone who knows what they are doing  and have them instruct you .

[fishwizzard]

3 hours ago, smalljaw67 said:

I'm going to echo the guys that already mentioned the SK Bitsy Bug. The main reason is because of bites, the hardest thing with jig fishing is learning what a bite feels like. Sometimes they will thump it hard, sometimes it is just a subtle tap, tap, and other times it feels like wet leaves or paper on your line. The smaller Bitsy bug jig will allow you to fish a jig but in a smaller profile and even smaller fish aren't deterred for hitting it. The larger jigs catch fish really well but when you are just learning I think you should start small and get a lot of bites then move up when you are comfortable.

100% agree. I fish a lot of sub-1/4oz jigs and in my experience bass hold them for far longer than they do a heavy jig, making the hooksets  a lot easier.  In some cases, the bass will grab the jig and start swimming away with it, like they were with soft plastics. 

[papajoe222]

If you know how to fish a T-rigged worm, you'll have a much easier transition to fishing jigs than someone that hasn't.  Although you may not fish them in the same areas as a worm (I rarely do) or present them in the same way, detecting bites is very similar. Line watching is a must. If you rely solely on feeling a bump, tick, or seeing your line move off to one side or the other, your going to miss fish.

The majority of jig fishing is done with some form of vertical presentation. Pitching, flipping, hopping or stroking a jig are examples, but dragging or swimming a jig are also presentations that can be used and there are jigs that are designed specifically for those presentations.

Jigs are also rarely presented without some type of soft plastic trailer. They add bulk, action, color and slow the fall rate of the jig. I suggest you get a small assortment of them as well as jigs to start out with. A Bitsy Bug is good for shallow targets, but for depths of 8ft. or more, something a little heavier will be easier to control.

One more consideration and I'll shut up.  Be sure your rod is able to drive home the thicker hooks associated with jigs and that your jig weight falls within the rod's specs.

[detroit1]

Don't wait until next year.

[Revival]

For those using Bisty bugs, do you have a preference between the 3/16 and 1/4 size?  What color do you guys recommend and what type of trailer for a jig that small?

[PourMyOwn]

16 minutes ago, Revival said:

For those using Bisty bugs, do you have a preference between the 3/16 and 1/4 size?  What color do you guys recommend and what type of trailer for a jig that small?

I use both sizes and any of the natural colors and I don't really have a preference. I like 4 inch twin tail grubs or hula grubs as trailers.