Jigs, Mel Berman

Recently we talked about the evolution of the common jig as one of fishing’s most effective baits. Also covered were the various configurations, sizes and shapes of these basic, yet highly productive lures. In this section, we’ll discuss the many ways to use jigs so that you can achieve some great and frequent hook-ups,

The answer to how to work a jig can be found in its name. One simply casts it out, lets it drop to the bottom and “jigs” it up and then down repeatedly while retrieving line.

Jigging will always get results. But let’s analyze what is happening when employing this tried and true fishing method.

After the jig is cast, the angler lets it drop all the way down, bouncing it off the bottom. This sets off a small puff of sand or silt that invariably attracts fish. Also as it is dropping, the flutter of the jig tail replicates a bait that’s in trouble. This can be quite irresistible to most species. Selection of size, shape and color of the tail is important. As the old fishing adage goes, “match the hatch – and you will catch the fish.”

As for color, the rule of thumb generally is – “dark water or dark conditions– dark colored baits” –  “clear water or bright conditions – lighter colored baits.”

There are of course many variations to this theme. Several jig tails have glitter or sparkles built in which looks like the flash of real baitfish with their scales reflecting light as they swim though the water.

Some species react more readily to sparkling type jig tails than others. For example, I have recently discovered an area with good schools of silver trout, which seem to be real suckers for the glitter tails. When bouncing any sparkle-jig on the bottom in the presence of these silvers, they jump all over it.Now I don’t want to leave you with the impression that jigs are made exclusively for bouncing on the bottom.  They can also be slowly retrieved in mid-water column, much like a plug with excellent results. This is especially effective with shad and minnow shaped jig tails, as they replicate a baitfish swimming through the water.

Many who use the popular Exude tails have had a great deal of success by casting out and then reeling and sharply twitching the bait in.  Each twitch tends to drive the bait downward, which proves to be enticing for most  fish species.

Larger tails like the Exudes rarely need heavier jig heads. Most of my success with these and other jerk worm type tails has come when fitted with an 1/8th ounce or smaller jig head. 

Another highly successful technique is using the jig under a cork or float. This is the concept behind Love Lures “Floatin Jig” and, frankly I have commandeered their small cork/leader setup for use with a great variety of jigs and other baits.

The reason the cork/jig combination is so successful is that when one slurps the cork on the surface, it gets the attention of fish because they think there is some bait feeding on the surface.  Meanwhile as the cork is twitched, the jig itself snaps sharply up towards the surface. Then on release, the jig flutters slowly down towards the bottom. It is on that drop that you will evoke the most strikes.

The other variation of this cork/jig method is the use of special floats, such as the highly popular “Cajun Thunder.” This has plastic and brass beads on both sides of the float, which sets up an enticing clickety-clack that is a siren’s song for most fish.

One final word of advice: Always use the lightest jig head possible. The heavier the jig head the less sensitive your rig will be. With a bit of practice, there is no reason why you can’t become a skilled jig-fisher.