How to fish a jig & Trailer?

[mackkie]

Hi all,

I have been reading from a few people on these forums that they have been having a lot of success recently with jigs.  I decided to buy some from Bass Pro Shops.  I ended up getting four 3/8 oz. jigs (black/blue, texas craw, green pumpkin, etc).  I also bought 2 kinds of Yum chunk trailers (watermelon/red flake and crawdad).

Here are my questions:

1. How do I pick a good color combination for my jigs and trailers? Should I try to match the trailer color to the jig color or no?

2. Do I just hook the trailer right through the jig hook? (Sorry, dumb question)

3. Should these be fished really slow?  Do you just crank a couple times then let the jig settle again?  

4. I also bought a Kevin Van Dam swimming jig...how should these be fished?

I am really trying to start/improve on fishing with jigs as I feel this is an essential tool every fisherman should have.  Any help would be very appreciated!

Thanks,

Matt

[Garnet]

Generaly match colors and then break all the rules.

I thread chunks on and then slide a tooth pick threw to chunk above the hook right at the bend and then I break all the rules.

Garnet

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

CLICK ME

[mackkie]

Great movie...thanks for the link LBH

Do you also recommend matching jig color to trailer color?

[grimlin]

You don't have to,but i do.Alot of times i'll mix green jig with a brown trailer(and vice versa).Orange/brown jig with green trailer.I keep it simple though,i don't get too crazy with my colors. Orange is a good color here,if you ever see a crayfish in the water look closely it's got either red/orange/brown on it...pending on  the water as well.  

[Guest avid]

Many people will say that "walking the dog" on a topwater bait, is the most difficult skill in lure presentation.

I think learning to be a successful jig fisherman is much more challenging.

My advice to beginners is.

1. Use a light jig match colors. 1/4 or less

2. Trim the skirt down, and shorten the weedguard, fan it out and pluck out some strands unless very weedy area

3. learn to 'pitch" the jig so it has a low trajectory, and enters the water with little noise.

4. Keep line fairly taut.  you want the jig to fall straight down. but no sense in getting a strike if you can't feel it or know you got one.

5. Experiment constantly.  Ever wonder why the most ancient and simple of all lures has so many designs and manufacturers?  The jig in one form or another has been catching fish for centuries.

good luck and have fun.

[mackkie]

Should I look into buying some 1/4oz jigs?  I bought all 3/8oz jigs from bass pro...are these a little too big?

[Cajun1977]

theres nothing wrong with what you bought, but it doesnt hurt to have all kinda sizes and colors in your arsenal

[Gorgebassman]

I try to come close to the color of the forage that is in the lake or river system your fishing. I look for crawfish and try to find the colors that closely match them. I do the same with a swim jig. If I know that the bass are feeding on bluegill than I use a swim jig that has the colors of a bluegill in it.

[ww2farmer]

Beleive it or not the jig is an EASY lure to master, people/tackle companies over complicate things.

Here is what you need for ALL you jig fishing needs coast to coast and in every place bass swim.

Colors: only two needed  black/blue for muddy to stained water, green/brown for lightly stained to clear water.

Sizes: 1/4 oz for shallow-mid depth

         3/8 oz. great "general purpose" jig size

         3/4 oz for deep and/or heavy cover

Match a craw trailer to the size/color of your jig and go fish.

Take only the jigs with you for a while, that will force you to learn them. Fish them any where you have caught/seen bass before. You can't fish a jig to slow. Bass will hit them on the fall often so watch your line. Really can't add much to what every one else has said. If you stick with it, the jig will be your go to bait before long.

[Al Wolbach]

Beleive it or not the jig is an EASY lure to master, people/tackle companies over complicate things.

Here is what you need for ALL you jig fishing needs coast to coast and in every place bass swim.

Colors: only two needed black/blue for muddy to stained water, green/brown for lightly stained to clear water.

Sizes: 1/4 oz for shallow-mid depth

      3/8 oz. great "general purpose" jig size

      3/4 oz for deep and/or heavy cover

Match a craw trailer to the size/color of your jig and go fish.

Take only the jigs with you for a while, that will force you to learn them. Fish them any where you have caught/seen bass before. You can't fish a jig to slow. Bass will hit them on the fall often so watch your line. Really can't add much to what every one else has said. If you stick with it, the jig will be your go to bait before long.

Good advice- Remember to watch your line. I detect 80% or more of my bites on a jig by seeing line movement or a slight jump in the line. I recommend using the lightest jig the water depth and wind will allow.........................Al