How to Start Fishing Jigs (Basic Setup + Info) 2024
Senko lover reply :
Although my opinions don't necessarily represent those of other (far better) jig fisherman on this site, I thought a post like this would be beneficial to many. The information I'm presenting is not the only way to get started into jig fishing, but it is a way that has been working for me since I started fishing jigs.
Step One: Equipment
In order to start fishing jigs, you need some jigs (duh!), trailers, and something to throw them on.
Jigs and Trailers:
- The Jigs:
I'm a big advocate of simplicity in jig fishing, and so I'm starting you off with some basic, proven jigs.
I'd recommend a 3/8 oz. casting jig (you might also hear it as an arky head). You're looking for a streamlined head that will go through cover easily.
3/8s of an ounce is a great weight to start out with. Later on you may want to try heavier or lighter jigs, but the 3/8s is a great size to start with. This jig is very, very versatile and can be hopped, dragged, swum, and fished in all types of cover. - The Colors:
Again, I'm keeping it simple here. I'd recommend two colors of jigs: one of them being Black & Blue and the other being Green Pumpkin. While there are many, many other colors out there that work and perhaps look cooler, these ones will get the the job done for you. Many experienced jig fisherman primarily use these two colors, and they're a great way to go whether you're starting out or have been fishing jigs for a long time. Note: When I say, "Green Pumpkin," I'm' referring to jigs are primarily green pumpkin, regardless of other colors mixed in, such as purple, red, black, or blue. Fish the Green Pumpkin jig in clear to semi-stained water, and fish the Black & Blue Jig in stained, dirty, or muddy water. - The Trailers:
I'd recommend the same colors for trailers as I did jigs. The trailer I use 99% of the time on my jigs is a Strike King Rage Chunk. There are many other trailers out there, but the one I'd recommend is a Strike King Rage Chunk (or craw). If you're on a budget, I would recommend picking up some NetBait Paca Chunks, which work pretty well. Otherwise, do yourself a favour and buy some Rage Craw Chunks.
The Combo:
- Rod:
I'd recommend a Medium-Heavy baitcasting rod. Some people prefer a Heavy action, but I like a Medium Heavy. There are many choices of rod companies out there, so find one that you like. Just make sure you get the best one you can afford. Jigs can be fished on any rod, but they're easier to fish on a sensitive one. - Reel:
Again, many options are out there regarding reels. Couple things to keep in mind: Make sure you get one that has a decent gear ratio (I like a 6:4:1 or higher). And while I believe that the rod is much more important, it's also wise to get a nice reel for your jig combo. - Line:
I really believe in throwing my jigs on braid with a leader, but I seem to be in the minority on this, as many jig fisherman like fluorocarbon. I'd recommend 30 lb. braid or 15-17 pound fluorocarbon. The reason I like braid is that it allows me to get a good hookset on a long cast, but fluorocarbon also does a good job.
Step Two: Research
- I cannot recommend highly enough that you do some reading on BassResource, particularly the first thread I linked to:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12403-jig-fishing-questions/
http://www.bassresource.com/fish/jigs.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/how-to-fish-jigs.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/jig-fishing-specifics.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/bass_fishing_jigs.html
Step Three: Go Fishing
- Many people will recommend that you go out and throw nothing but jigs until you start seeing some rewards, but this can also be very frustrating. While jigs are some of the most versatile baits on the market, the bass don't always want them. My recommendation is to gain confidence in fishing soft plastics and especially texas rigs first, and then to go out and throw jigs in places where you know there are bass.
I hope this helps you get started in jig fishing. Other people on here will have far better advice than I do, so make sure you read the comments and see what they have to say when they chime in.
Good luck!
P.S. If you're looking for some jigs to start with, I highly recommend checking out Siebert Outdoors. Mike Siebert has sponsored these forums for a long time and makes some quality jigs.
rchiuz reply :
Nice post! This is an area I am planning to work on myself. Since I haven't jigged much. The question I have is when do you set the hook? Is it a feel or you notice the line start to move differently?
Happy Holidays!
Mike L reply :
Excellent! !
Mike
Big C reply :
Very good, sums it up nicely. I like how you said don't throw everything else out the window, just to start fishing jigs it's another tactic not THE tactic.
A-Jay reply :
~ Very Nice Write Up Senko Lover (but we all know it could be jig lover).
Been fishing jigs for a long time. Knowing what I know now, if I had used this basic info to start with, I'd have done OK.
Nice Job.
A-Jay
Retired@176 reply :
Excellent post, spot on with colors, trailers and recommended reading
Senko lover reply :
On 12/24/2015 at 5:55 AM, rchiuz said:Nice post! This is an area I am planning to work on myself. Since I haven't jigged much. The question I have is when do you set the hook? Is it a feel or you notice the line start to move differently?
Happy Holidays!
That's where the homework comes in. This thread will answer almost any other question you have. It's pure gold; I think I've read it through at least 5-6 times. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12403-jig-fishing-questions/
For what it's worth, around 70% of my bites are a mushy feeling in the rod tip. I've found that this can vary based on where you're fishing. I know a lot of people catch most of their jig fish on the fall, but although I pay very close attention to my line when the jig is falling, I only catch a small minority of my fish that way.
For me, if I'm in doubt when I feel something, I set the hook. Sure, it gets me some big logs and lost jigs, but I'd rather have some lost jigs than some lost pigs, you know what I'm sayin?
EricTheAngler reply :
Nice rod and reel combo!
Catt reply :
Only one commit!
Nice job 
kickerfish1 reply :
Nice write up on the basics of jig fishing! Should serves as a nice starting point for a lot of folks just getting into jig fishing that feel lost or overwelmed.
68camaro reply :
Very nice, jig fishing is something I really want to get better at.
deep reply :
Well done!
fisherrw reply :
Good post! The only thing I do differently is I use top shelf and Yamamoto double tailed hula grubs for my trailers and a variety of jigs. Excellent job! This post should be pinned
S. Sass reply :
I use the NetBait Paca Chunks for trailers but I notice you preferred the Strike King Rage Chunk. May I ask why? I really like the Paca Craw myself.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 12/24/2015 at 11:05 AM, S. Sass said:I use the NetBait Paca Chunks for trailers but I notice you preferred the Strike King Rage Chunk. May I ask why? I really like the Paca Craw myself.
The problem I have with chunks is two fold:
1. They have little action making them ideal for negative/neutral fish and better suited for cold water. Not something I will use for majority of my fishing.
2. Chunks lack the necessary length to extended very far between the outer portion of a skirt. They tend to get lost in the skirt and what movement they offer isn't all that visible. For that reason I am only using the Lobster and Regular sized Rage Craws on standard sized jigs.
S. Sass reply :
Ahh I was just wondering I don't do a lot of jig fishing so maybe that is hurting my game. Thanks for the info.
JustinU1X reply :
On 12/24/2015 at 1:09 PM, kickerfish1 said:The problem I have with chunks is two fold:
1. They have little action making them ideal for negative/neutral fish and better suited for cold water. Not something I will use for majority of my fishing.
2. Chunks lack the necessary length to extended very far between the outer portion of a skirt. They tend to get lost in the skirt and what movement they offer isn't all that visible. For that reason I am only using the Lobster and Regular sized Rage Craws on standard sized jigs.
When a jig is under water the silicon and rubber stand up revealing the trailer so I wouldn't say they get lost in the skirt. I see where you're coming from though, still not as big of a profile as a full size creature bait. I use the regular paca chunk on finesse jigs and the Sr. size on my full size jigs.
GoCougs14 reply :
Awesome thread, really couldve used this about a month ago when I was trying to learn the basics on them
Joey Bass reply :
Excellent post. Really good starter info. This type of post is so helpful to the new folks as they first come into this great forum. Thanks!
Catt reply :
K.I.S.S.
Of all the lures in an angler's arsenal the jig is one of the simplest and yet the most over completed by anglers!
Senko lover reply :
On 12/24/2015 at 11:05 AM, S. Sass said:I use the NetBait Paca Chunks for trailers but I notice you preferred the Strike King Rage Chunk. May I ask why? I really like the Paca Craw myself.
The Strike King Rage Craw is far and away my favorite bait in the world. I've caught so many bass and big bass on it. For me, I really like the action that the Rage flanges on the craw give, and it's also just a confidence thing. I have immense amounts of confidence in the Rage Craw, mainly because it performs so well for me. I have used and like the Paca Craw, but it's not my go-to.
WRB reply :
It's Christmas, nice gift for everyone to share.
Chunks are a copy of one if the original pork rind lure called a frog. The reason it's called a frog is because the pork "chunk" was nose hooked with weedless hook and skittered across the tops of weed beds to imitate a frog. Bass anglers learned to use the frog with a weedless jig and the pig & jig was born.
The key to using a frog/chunk is nose hooking it, this allows the twin tail shape to swim more freely. The evolution of the frog was adding curl tails to swim faster, now ridges to move even faster than before. Sometimes a pork frog out fishes the newer faster moving soft plastics, the subtitle Senko like movements that can trigger bass strikes.
Tom
PS, if you are not getting strikes on the fall, you are missing them......focus on strike detection!
bigfruits reply :
Great article, Senko lover!
My favorite trailer on a skirted jig (when I want a lot of movement) is the Yamamoto double tail grub. Has a good amount of action when dragged or lightly hopped. Very versatile, drops and swims great.
They are also one of the cheaper Yamamoto baits. (non-hula version)
hawgenvy reply :
Great article, Senko lover! I don't play with jigs much because of all the bottom slime around where I live. But I decided to toss a black and blue jig yesterday, and after striking out with my usual craw trailer, I threaded onto the jig hook something new (for me) -- a Zoom Z-Hog in black sapphire, a rather big bug of a trailer. And, BOOM!, a 5 lbs 13 oz fish on the first cast. Splashed water all over the place. Then I nailed a few more smaller ones. Definitely going to use my jig more, and the Z-Hog!
rchiuz reply :
If you are on the bank with no visible structure to cast to. Is it worth it to fan blind cast?
deep reply :
Matt Allen has a new video on his site about jig trailers. He talks about chunk-type trailers, beavers, DT grubs and rage-tail type trailers. Might be a worthwhile watch for some of you.
Senko lover reply :
On 12/25/2015 at 7:23 AM, deep said:Matt Allen has a new video on his site about jig trailers. He talks about chunk-type trailers, beavers, DT grubs and rage-tail type trailers. Might be a worthwhile watch for some of you.
Watched it earlier today, very informative.
Smokinal reply :
Nice post Kyle; I like how you said this is not the end-all of jig info, just what has been working for you. Great post for beginner jig fisherman. A jig is a great bass tool for sure.
S. Sass reply :
Sinko lover are you using the Strike King Rage Tail Baby Craw or the non baby version?
ABW reply :
On 12/25/2015 at 7:12 AM, rchiuz said:If you are on the bank with no visible structure to cast to. Is it worth it to fan blind cast?
You can, and then drag the jig on the bottom to feel for things like rock.
Senko lover reply :
On 12/25/2015 at 11:37 AM, S. Sass said:Sinko lover are you using the Strike King Rage Tail Baby Craw or the non baby version?
I use the non-baby version and the chunk (non baby) version as well.
HoosierHawgs reply :
Is that 10+3 Synonym to Prophecy a fast or extra fast action?
Senko lover reply :
On 12/26/2015 at 12:27 AM, HoosierHawgs said:Is that 10+3 Synonym to Prophecy a fast or extra fast action?
Took me a minute :D. It's a fast action.
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/26/2015 at 12:48 AM, Senko lover said:Took me a minute :D. It's a fast action.
Nice. I plan on using 15 pound Sniper with a 7'1" MH/Fast for bottom contact. We shall see how it goes.
EricTheAngler reply :
I just got a tray full of Creative Custom Bass Jigs from @Brayberry. Dont know the types in here but im pretty confident with the football head jig. Merry Christmas!
WRB reply :
On 12/26/2015 at 12:55 AM, HoosierHawgs said:Nice. I plan on using 15 pound Sniper with a 7'1" MH/Fast for bottom contact. We shall see how it goes.
Sunline doesn't make 15 lb Sniper,14 or 16 lb.
Tom
cgolf reply :
On 12/25/2015 at 7:23 AM, deep said:Matt Allen has a new video on his site about jig trailers. He talks about chunk-type trailers, beavers, DT grubs and rage-tail type trailers. Might be a worthwhile watch for some of you.
First things first, Senko Lover awesome post, lots of great info to help out those new to jig fishing. While I haven't watched Matt's video, will tonight, I did some videos I posted on here a while back of some common trailers in a tub that some may find interesting.
WRB reply :
I may be the Lone Ranger on selecting a jig design for specific applications, don't have any confidence casting a Arkie type for making long cast horizontally for example. The Arkie is a excellent design for vertical presentations or casts less than 30-40 feet in water less than 10' deep, where there is cover like brush, trees or aquatic vegetation where the Arkie head excels and where the majority of bass anglers use jigs.
The majority of my bass fishing occurs in deep rocky structured lakes with clear water and sparse vegetation. A compact jig with a short shank hook design with a fiber weed gaurd like the Arkie makes it difficult for me to get good hook sets when strikes 75' to 140' away.
I have no problem getting a good hook set with a T-rig worm skin hooked. What I learned through trail and error was a jig like a football head without a weed gaurd improved strike to hook set ratio. By adding a spring to the jig hook eye I could attach a short piece of soft plastic worm and skin hook it when a weed gaurd was needed to prevent snags. In 1971 I designed a jig similar to a football head except made the shape of a viper snake head, triangular football, that helped the jig go over rocks easily and stand up at rest, no weed gaurd. The original hook was a Eagle Claw 630, a long shank 90 bend jig hook. Changed the hook to Gamakatsu 114 in the early 90's. This has been the jig I have used since 1971 and credit for catch 100's of giant bass because it gives me an advantage of solid hook set at long distances.
A jig is simple, a hook with molded heavy metal, design is important.
jig trailers, I use pork custom cut.
Tom
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/26/2015 at 6:39 AM, WRB said:Sunline doesn't make 15 lb Sniper,14 or 16 lb.
Tom
14 it is. I like as light of line I know I can get away with.
Bankbeater reply :
Good post! Very informative.
Senko lover reply :
I mixed up the trailers today with an old Berkley Powerbait Power Craw and caught a couple of fish. Always like experimentation.
related Fishing Tackle topic
previous topic
next topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.