First Bass on Jigs, THANX LBH!

[=Matt 5.0=]

I got my 7' Heavy BPS Extreme and LBH and I went out yesterday morning at 5. Over the course of the day he was able to tutor me in the art of the jig. A subject that I was failing at, due to lack of experience and confidence. He showed me how to trim back the weed gaurd, and also trim the skirt to make it bloom more. After about 1/2 hour I caught a Pickerel on an 1/8 oz Stanley jig. My confidence skyrocketed!  8-)

This morning I hit the water again with my buddy Rick, who was also struggling with jigs. (neither of us had caught anything on jigs before) We went out in 20 mph winds and steady drizzle. Air temp was 40, but we stuck it out anyway. After an hour or so I actually stuck my first Bass on a jig! That made Rick's confidence go way up, and 10 minutes later he had a Bass between 3-4lbs hit his jig right at the boat, but it only grabbed the trailer. Talk about a let down! He was pretty bummed, but after braving the "Deadliest Catch" conditions, he finally got one!

All in all, it was a good day, even though my hands were numb, and Rick has windburn on his face. We are either crazy, or die hard, or both. But thanx to Russ (LBH) we were able to break down the barrier on jig fishing! Thanx again dude!!!

Me!

Rick!

Conditions!

[fireandice]

I've caught tons of bass on a jig in conditions like that. I don't particularly like the Stanley jigs though. I prefer 3/8oz. or 1/2oz. for windy conditions or heavy cover. I like the Strike King Denny Brauer "Pro Model," or the Denny Brauer "Premier Model." They seem to have a good skirt, rattle and hook. I use different trailers, but usually it's a Zoom Chunk or Super Chunk. If I'm throwing a finesse jig, it's gonna be an Eakin's "Eaker Shaker." In muddy KS waters, we always throw black/blue, blue, or pb&j colors. If the water is pretty clear, throw naturals such as brown, green pumpkin, watermelon, etc. Use very heavy or tough line and throw it clear back in the "junk." Stick with it, lot's of practice. It is always my big fish bait. If they won't hit it, then I tone down and finesse to put something in the boat.

8-)

[=Matt 5.0=]

Thanx for the advice.  I actually have some of those Strike King jigs, but my hands were too numb to re-tie anything! I have a form of Raynaud's, so when my fingers get cold they get numb and swell up.  > Bring on the warm weather !!!!

[Guest avid]

Jig fishing can be addictive.

Once you get the fever, there's no going back.

[=Matt 5.0=]

I think you're right avid!  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Here's Matt yesterday morning sporting his new rod, new jig and new confidence.

Way to go Matt and nice job passing on the lesson to Rick.  Looking forward to seeing where this all takes you this summer

[=Matt 5.0=]

I just realized that I'm wearing the same flannel shirt and grey hooded sweatshirt in every picture!

Time to head to Salvation Army and get some new duds... ;D

[=Matt 5.0=]

Uh Ohhhhh This is starting to get addicting! Strike King 1/2oz with yum trailer. This bass crushed the jig while I was hopping it. What a difference, 3 days ago it was 40 degrees, today it was 81!!!!

:D :D I love it!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Absolutely!!

Yesterday was a beautiful 81 degrees, SW at 5-10 when Eric and I were out and we were hitting small males on what felt like every cast.  40+ fish easily but nothing over 3 lbs. (Matt and Rick were out later when the wind picked up)

Meeting Matt in 20 minutes for another go at it.

He is bringing the welder and is going to make "Big Red" all better.  I'll feel much better when she's in the water again.

I will say this,....for a bunch of buck bass, they fought like TRUCKS!

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