Jig and worm tactics

[Brian_Reeves]

Well, I'm too hyped up to sleep after the BCS Championship game. (Geaux Tigers!!!) I searched the forums for a jig and worm thread and couldn't come up with anything, so I figured I'd put something up here.

For people starting out with jigs or wanting to add a finesse tactic to their arsonal, jig and worms are a good bet. They have a smaller profile than regular jigs but are often fished the same way. What qualifies as a jig and worm? In my book, any soft plastic lure on a jighead (exposed, weedless, or fiberguard)

Usually, my jig and worms consist of a 1/8-1/4oz exposed hook football jighead and a finesse worm, 4-5in curl tail worm, hula grub, or 4-5in lizard. But I've been known to use tubes, craws, and beavers on them as well. Even chunks fished without the jig skirt work at times. That's the beauty of this lure. Anything goes.

As far as techniques, the jig and worm (lightweight versions) are great for producing numbers in shallower water. For heavy jigheads, you might consider looking at deep water structure or cover and consider a weedless version. Anyway, a jig 'n worm can be fished any number of ways. I'll use my aforementioned choices as a reference as to what I do with them.

Zoom Finesse Worm- I'll use this lure as the all famous shakey head rig. I like a jighead that has a 60degree, flateye hook and will often opt for football head, exposed hook jigheads. This keeps the lure from rolling over on its side and allows you to tip it up and shake it a bit harder than ball-style or "stand up" jigheads. The Title Shot from Fin-Tech lures is also a good choice for deeper water shaking. Anyway, cast or pitch out near structure on 8-10lb test and let the lure rest on the bottem. The object here is to barely twitch the lure in place without moving it. Turning your wrist (like twisting a screwdriver), flexing your bicep, or just lightly shaking your arm all work to make the lure quiver. Watch your line for movement and be ready to set the hook.

4 inch Renegade Ringworm- If you're familiar with the texas and flordia rigs, then you're already ready for this technique. I switch to a ringworm on either an exposed hook or fiberguard jighead when the Texas rig or Flordia rig stops producing for whatever reason. Many times, this will get you back on the pattern. Just cast it out there and hop it back...nothing special here.

GYCB Hula Grubs- Most of the time when the spinnerbait, crankbait, or skirted jig bite dies, the Hula Grub is the first lure that comes to my mind. It has twin curl tails, which produce great action and a skirt that adds a bulky appearance in a nice, small package. Easy meal and GREAT reaction lure. I like these as a jig trailer anyway, but when bass shun my big jigs, I'll try one of these little guys by himself on a round exposed hook or fiberguard jighead. I'll pitch these out next to cover or structure and let them sink to the desired depth, then swim them back. Usually I try to stay in the same depth range that I was nailing them on the spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or jigs. (note: I swim all of my jigs, year round. it's my number 1 tactic right now)

That should just about cover most of your jig and worm needs. I'll keep checking back here to see if y'all have any questions. Hopefully this helps add another weapon to your fishing cache'. Oh yeah...as for colors, watermelonseed, green pumpkin, smoke, or black with blue flecks. White in the fall.

[Catt]

Sounds like a plan to me; add this one Spot Remover Jig & a Paca Craw.

Love the way the pinchers move on this little bait.  

[Tin]

One thing I have to say with the knuckleball heads though it lighter line like 12 pound or lighter, a medium action rod, and no braid. The hooks bend out fairly easily. I wish title-shot would do something about them. Besides the hook (the most important part lol) the design is awsome.

[SPAZ]

Thank you. Your posts are always informative.