Jigging On The Bottom

[crankbait2009]

So, I’m not understanding something here.

When it comes to jigging or using any lure/bait that needs to be on the bottom, how does anyone use this method when you have rocks? I’m not talking gravel or anything small like that, but rocks big enough to get caught up in. In the small rivers that I wade in, they are full of rocks and everything I use has to remain in the middle to the top of the water column to avoid getting snagged. How do you use these jigs that should live on the bottom without getting snagged?

I don’t understand how to avoid that. Until I can find a gravel or muddy bottom, bottom bouncing doesn’t seem straight forward to me.

[roadwarrior]

They cannot be avoided unless you swim the jig. My jigs hooks never "live" long enough to

need sharpening! Those rocks are bass magnets, you just have to be willing to lose a lot of

jigs. It is worth it to me, but the decision you are faced with, is it worth it to you?

[crankbait2009]

hm, I was under the impression that everyone fishes jigs on the bottom with great success and very rarely loses them. I figured there was a "trick" to avoiding it.

Is it worth it? hmmmmmmmmmmmm, good question

[Gangley]

Style of head is important if you want to avoid losing every jig on every cast. In teh case of rocks, football heads are generally more adept at coming over rocks better. However, if you are gonna spend a full day if jiggin the rocks, you better bring a WHOLE lotta jigs becaus you will lose plenty of them. A good rule of thumb: if you aren't losing jigs, you aren't fishing them in the right places.

[Nitrofreak]

Im with the guy's here on this one as well, one thing that I have done is go to a lighter football head jig, 3/8 oz and 1/4 oz.

The fall is much slower because it's lighter, this helps me to keep them on top of the rocks instead of falling in the cracks and getting lodged as I swim it along.

You are still going to lose some but this way I have found that you do not lose as many.

Is it worth it? you tell me.