JIG AND TAIL GUIDE
With all of the different types of jig heads and plastic tails to choose from, which is best for a given fishing situation or type of fish targeted to catch? This guide will provide you simple, easy to select and easy to rig directions on basic jig and plastic tail selection.
JIGS
There are numerous styles and sizes of jigs available to the angler. When selecting the proper jig, consider these factors:
•Size and strength of fish targeted and size of their mouths: Look at the gauge (diameter thickness) of hook. Is it heavy enough for a larger fish? If fishing for panfish, is the gauge too heavy?
• Depth of water or current: Generally, in deeper water, use heavier jigs. The stronger the current, the heavier the jig should be.
•Size of bait you are using: Larger bait, larger hook (jig hook).
•Size and type of tail you are adding: Smaller jigs (1/32 oz - 1/16 oz) are better with 1" - 2" plastic tails. Medium sized jigs (1/8 oz - 1/4 oz) are best with 3" and 4" tails. Larger jigs (3/8 oz + are best with 4" and larger tails.
JIG TIP - As a general rule, use the lightest jig depth and current conditions will allow.
ROUND JIGHEAD
Round Jig heads are a universal jig. Good for most fishing conditions. Mainly a freshwater style. Good for usage with most plastic tails or plain with live bait (lip hooked minnow, head hooked nitecrawler).
TUBE JIGHEAD
Tube Jig heads are used with hollow tube baits. Their design allows them to be rigged inside of plastic tube baits with the eyelet poking through the head of the tube bait.
SALTWATER FLAT JIG
Flat Shaped Jigs are primarily used in saltwater. Their flatter design and slimmer profile allow this jig to cut through tidal currents very well. Best used with 4" saltwater swirltails, smaller shad bodies, or plain with a live lip hooked baitfish.
SALTWATER SHAD JIG
Shad Style heads are primarily used in saltwater. They are designed for use with larger shad bodies 3" and above. The flatter head allows this jig to cut through tidal currents very well. This jig features a longer hook allowing it to run farther down the length of a shad tail.
TAIL STYLES
SWIRLTAIL GRUB
Swirltail Grubs have an enticing, undulating action cause by the movement of your jig head. Both freshwater and saltwater fish are extremely attracted to the action of this tail. 1"-2" sizes are best for panfish and trout.
3" sizes are excellent for larger panfish, bass and walleye. 4" sizes work well for bass, walleye pike and numerous saltwater species.
SHAD TAIL
Shad Tails have a circular thumping action when retrieved. Both freshwater and saltwater fish find this action very attractive. 1"-2" sizes are best for panfish trout and walleye. 3" sizes are best for bass, larger walleye, and in-shore saltwater fish species. 4" sizes are best for large bass, pike, and general saltwater fishing.
TUBE TAILS
Tube Tails have a slow parachuting fall as they sink in the water. This slow descent in combination with a soft, hollow body that feels natural to a fish, makes this a very effective bait. Rig with a tube jighead for best results. Most of the strikes will occur as the bait is on it's initial fall. 1-1/2" - 2" sizes are best for crappie and panfish. 3"- 4" sizes are best for bass and numerous saltwater species.
STEADY RETRIEVE
Cast out, let sink, and retrieve steadily. This retrieve is very effective when used with swirltails or shad tails. The action of the tail will attract and entice fish to strike. This is a great retrieve to use when trying to cover a lot of water to search for fish.
WAYS TO FISH A JIG
STEADY RETRIEVE
Cast out, let sink, and retrieve steadily. This retrieve is very effective when used with swiritails or shad tails. The action of the tail will attract and entice fish to strike. This is a great retrieve to use when trying to cover a lot of water to search for fish.
STOP AND GO RETRIEVE
When using a steady retrieve, momentarily pause and stop reeling in for a few seconds. Then continue the steady retrieve.
The falling action of your jig caused by your pause will trigger many fish to strike it as it falls in front of their nose. This technique is extremely effective for finicky fish or fish that follow your bait, but refuse to strike it.
JIGGING RETREIVE
Cast out, let the jig sink until your line stops spooling out from your reel. You are now on the bottom. Tighten your line and begin to bounce the jig off the bottom by raising your rod tip up in 1' to 2' increments. This will lift the jig off the bottom. Drop your rod tip back to its original position. This will cause the jig to fall. Pause, reel in your slack line and repeat this lift/drop process in succession. Most strikes will occur when your jig is on the fall, so watch your slack line for "twitches" or "jumps" as you lower your rod tip. This technique is deadly as it imitates a wounded baitfish. Works well with swirltails, shad tails and especially tube tails. This retrieve is very effective for both freshwater and saltwater fish.