Tips for Getting the Most From a Jig

• Ask ten anglers what lure they could not live without and eight of them will say the jig. The jig is also the lure that anglers seldom present properly resulting in a lot of missed opportunities. The biggest mistake is not getting that lure into the zone where the fish are. Anglers need to know at what level the fish are and put the jig there. If the fish are suspended than begin your retrieve at the depth where those fish are holding in the water column. If the fish are on the bottom the jig should be allowed to settle there.

• A jig will drop one foot per second. Just count it down to the depth where it needs to be. If the fish are on the bottom make sure you wait it out until it reaches that point.

• Use the right jighead design. If you’re dragging the jig across the bottom a stand-up head is the best. In the weeds a weed-guard is imperative. For vertical jigging the standard round head gets the job done.

• Anglers are often told to use the smallest jig that gets it down where it needs to be, but that often results in a jig that is too light. Always make sure current or drift speed is factored in and don’t be afraid to step up a size or two of needed.

• For a double-trouble jig rig, tip the jig with not only a scented-plastic body but add a leech or a half a nightcrawler as well. Twice the punch on that jig will trigger bites.