More Grub Questions

[jerebro]

The creek I fish in is FULL of character, therefore has rocks and trees all along the bottom. Grubs get lost really often, is that normal or is there a special way to rig a grub, and fish it effectivly, to make it weedless? Any other tips for fishing with grubs is welcome. I am taking the advice of the two from the previous thread about the gycb grubs and thank them for it!

[Crestliner2008]

This is one of the reasons I got into molding my own jig heads many years ago. If you aren't loosing a bunch of jigs, you're not fishing in the right place. However, there are things you can do to minimize the losses. Switch to a shakey head jig; but get those that do not have a long hook shank if possible. Not needed with 3" & 4" grubs.

Can't remember the manufacturer, but Cabelas has a "Stick Guard" that they put on jig heads. This is a small section of plastic worm with a flat on one end. You thread the flat on the jig first, then your grub, then put the other end of the stick guard over the hook point.

I use to do the same thing with broken pieces of thin worms, years ago. They also make weedless jigs with wire guards. Lots of options. But yes, you WILL loose jigs regardless of what kind you use. Part of the game.

[retiredbosn]

Bout the only thing you can do is to forego the jig head, use a small off set hook, slip sinker and Texas Rig it.  The problem is that some grubs will spin and not have any action.  You will still loose a lot of rigs, but it will save some.  Like the other guy said if you aren't loosing some rigs you aren't fishing it right.  I do a lot of wading and retrieving rigs when fishing grubs.

[jerebro]

Are grubs good in ponds and lakes too? What seems to work best in lakes? I am going to be fishing a small lake from time to time till the creek clears up a little. and could use any advice you could give. Thanks again!

[retiredbosn]

I am going to assume that you want to target smallies in a lake.  In short yes grubs will work, fish them the same way.  Look for any current in the lake, smallies will relate to the current.  Then also look for structure, not cover, gravel bottoms, rock ledges, etc.  A jig and craw really excels for me in lakes, I fish them on rock ledges and drops.  If you can't find those, fish the jig as you normally would, they will catch Largemouths, bream, crappie, etc, grubs will catch anything.

[roadwarrior]

I fish the GYCB 5" Single Tail Grub. Long casts and a steady retrieve

to immitate a baitfish. It's really that simple. The key is depth: You

need to have the bait in front of fish!

8-)

[jerebro]

How do you control depth in a pond/lake using a grub? is it by speed of retrieve or the weight? or both? how do I learn the balance?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Weight and retrieve will both affect depth, as will the time you wait to start your retrieve after the bait hits the water. A lot of times the strike will come on the initial fall, so you can slow the rate of fall based on what the fish are telling you they want. Wind and current will also require a heavier jig to stay on the bottom. One way to get a feel for different weights and retrieves is to cast into a pool or some calm clear water and watch how the bait reacts.

[tyrius.]

I fish the GYCB 5" Single Tail Grub.

What type of jigheads do you use with these?  I'm just getting into river smallie fishing and am having a hard time finding something that I like for this type of fishing.  

[roadwarrior]

I fish the GYCB 5" Single Tail Grub.

What type of jigheads do you use with these? I'm just getting into river smallie fishing and am having a hard time finding something that I like for this type of fishing.

1/8 oz Gamakatsu jig heads, round 26.

8-)

[tyrius.]

RW,

Thanks for the info.

I also know that you use some of GMAN's jigs.  I just talked to him and he's pouring me some 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 round jig heads on a 3/0 mustad hook.  He said that he could also do a 2/0.

If I found the jighead that you're talking about (here)

You may want to see if GMAN will make you some too.  $3.79 for 5 from BPS!!!    

For as fast as I went through jigheads on the few times I've been on the river I'd be broke in a hurry!

[roadwarrior]

Ain't that the truth!

Next time I order some jigs from GMAN, I'll get some

naked jig heads, too.

Thanks for the heads-up!

8-)

[tyrius.]

Ain't that the truth!

Next time I order some jigs from GMAN, I'll get some

naked jig heads, too.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Just got the jigs and they turned out great.

1/8 and 1/4 sizes.

[Crestliner2008]

I have a dumb question. Why is it that jig heads with barbs have those barbs on the up-side and not on down side of the hook shaft? The way they are pictured here, it has a tendency to close the crucial gap between the hook point and the body of the plastic covering the back of the jig. It would see to me anyway?

[MattL]

Try rigging them on a Slider head.

[basspimple]

for grubs in creeks, you should have plenty of extras with ya. elkhorn is notorious for eating lures. i usually end up bending the hook more than losing the whole bait. (gotta love yo zuri hybrid.) as far as weedlessness, try a small football if you end up losing a whole lot. ive used w/ good success.

see ya on the 'horn!

-jeff

[tholmes]

for grubs in creeks, you should have plenty of extras with ya. elkhorn is notorious for eating lures. i usually end up bending the hook more than losing the whole bait. (gotta love yo zuri hybrid.) as far as weedlessness, try a small football if you end up losing a whole lot. ive used w/ good success.

see ya on the 'horn!

-jeff

+1 ^ Using jig heads with light wire hooks will save a lot of rigs. I mold my own using Eagle Claw #570 or #575 hooks. I can usually pull the hooks out of a snag, even with 6# line.

Tom

[tyrius.]

I have a dumb question. Why is it that jig heads with barbs have those barbs on the up-side and not on down side of the hook shaft? The way they are pictured here, it has a tendency to close the crucial gap between the hook point and the body of the plastic covering the back of the jig. It would see to me anyway?

I would agree, but since the barb doesn't protrude further than the hook eye, I don't see it being an issue.