An Intro to Bass Jigs

Bass Jigs. Lightweight finesse jig, great in clear water. Jigs can be fished anywhere from right on the surface to as deep as you’d care to go—it all depends on the weight, the design, and how fast they’re worked. They’re typically available with rounded lead heads in weights from 3/8 to 1.5 ounces. They have heavy nylon brush guards, and the line tie is on top of the lead head. Bladed jig, with metal plate at head and soft bait trailer, is a good search bait. The action almost moves them out of the jig category because they cover the water so fast, thus making them great “search” baits when you don’t actually know where the bass are. Finesse Jigs Finesse jigs are the junior partners of the jigging world, and some of them really are flyweights, weighing as little as 1/8 ounce, about the weight of a crappie jig, though they carry bigger hooks and more skirt volume. The idea is to offer the fish something that won’t put them off when the bite is not really strong, when water is exceptionally clear or calm, or when fishing pressure is heavy. Shaky Heads Shaky heads are usually considered part of the finesse family because they’re small and light, but the difference is they’re designed to stand on their head and be rigged with a little floating worm or other critter bait that will stand up above them and shake and shimmy when the rod is just barely twitched.

A brief intro to the rapidly expanding world of bass jigs.

Lightweight finesse jig, great in clear water.

Jigs can be fished anywhere from right on the surface to as deep as you’d care to go—it all depends on the weight, the design, and how fast they’re worked. Here’s a look at some of the variations that might help your fishing on Florida waters:

Swim jig with soft plastic shad tail added.

Swimjigs

Swimjigs are the least jig-like of bassing jigs. They typically weigh less—3/16 to 5/16 ounce—and have flat or semi-vee bottoms, sort of like a bass boat, which helps them to plane across the surface when desired, and to glide along at mid-depths. Those with line ties on the very front of the head are designed for surface operation and for “skipping,” which is sidearming them to skitter under docks and overhanging trees, a deadly tactic on bright days. These lures can be skittered over thin weeds and lily pads without hanging up, and make a great post-spawn offering when the fish are still up shallow.

Those with line ties on the top are more often used to swim a jig at 1 to 3 feet, stitching it in and out over submerged eel grass or hydrilla, and some are made as heavy as 1/2 ounce.

Flippin’ Jigs

Flippin’ jigs are designed for close range work on big fish in the heaviest cover, and consequently they come equipped with thick wire hooks that could get a tarpon’s attention. They’re typically available with rounded lead heads in weights from 3/8 to 1.5 ounces. Even though they’re fished in shallow water—typically 1 to 3 feet—the added weight makes it much easier to punch through the mat of moss, hydrilla and hyacinth that forms the roof on many bass dens. They also stay in touch with the lure as it’s yo-yoed up and down….

Written By
More from Staff Writer
Whistler Blackcomb: Ski. Party. Eat. Sleep.
Author: Ryan Dionne / Source: Skiing Magazine Whistler’s massive terrain is impossible to explore...
Read More
0 replies on “An Intro to Bass Jigs”