Jigs are Simple Tools
by Jeff Bruhl

Most anglers consider a jig a complicated lure that requires super natural skills to land a fish. Basic knowledge of types of jigs, tips on how to use the lure, and matching the equipment to the right jig turns any angler into a jig fisherman.

Jigs come in many shapes and sizes but most fall into a few basic designs; grass, wood, and rock. Loosely this translates into the type of cover or structure that best suits the head style. Bullet heads slide through the grass and vegetation with a pointed outline. Arky (wood) style heads a better for flipping applications in and around wood cover. Football heads work great around rocks or hard bottoms because the shape works through the irregular surfaces of the rocks with fewer hang ups. Although all shapes work in most cover found in a body of water, the basic categories of heads help the angler pick a style to fish in the cover and structure that the angler wants to target.

A tip like head weight is another confusing topic for beginning anglers. Begin by matching the weight on the Texas rigged plastic used for the home waters. Weight needed varies with water depth. The general rule is the deeper the strike zone, the more weight is needed. Try a few different sizes until the fish or cover dictate a size. One size may hang up less, fall faster or slower and produce more strikes, or stay in contact with the bottom longer than other sizes. For beginners, a half ounce head is a good learning tool because it is easy to maintain contact or feel with the lure. It only takes a few minutes to determine that a jig is not well-matched for the cover besieged since hang-ups and no contact with cover telegraphs a problem quickly.

A final part of the equation to check is the hook size of the jig. Flipping and pitching models have large, heavy wire hooks. Deep water jigs use a thin wire style. Some anglers make the mistake of throwing a heavy wire hook deep and wonder why the fish spits the jigs. Heavy wire hooks need a heavy action rod, strong monofilament or braid, and a violent hook set to lock the fish up. Thin wire styles work with line as light as eight pounds with medium action rods. Be sure to match the hook to the equipment and technique used.

Mike Pharr, a BASS Central Open Pro and Omega Custom Tackle Team member (www.omegacustomtackle.com), uses the full line of Omega jigs to tailor his offerings to meet the situation at hand. His recent top ten finish at Lake Texoma BASS Open was in part due to his knowledge of which jig to fish around the rocks and when to switch to another style for brush tops.

“I fished a Derek Remitz Football jig around the rocky areas of Lake Texoma.” begins Mike, who prefers to use G. Loomis IMX rods. “The heavier heads keep the lure on the bottom and Omega head design prevents hang ups.”

Mike switched to a Pro Mega model around docks to fish the brush piles he found during practice. The jig was originally created for punching thick vegetation but pros like Mike found it could be very affected at searching brush piles, rocks, and deep scattered grass beds.

“I should not give away a big secret but using a heavier head or football head around brush piles will often produce more strikes as the heads deflect of the limbs.” adds Mike. “If the hang up increase, switch to a lighter Grant Goldbeck’s Signature Flippin’ Jig. The lighter model may get through the cover better than a heavier head.”

Danny Smith, BASS 2007 Red River Open winner, puts his knowledge of jigs to use each time he hits the water. From brush piles under docks to Hydrilla, Danny knows the right jig puts fish over the side of the boat. His first choice is a bait that will hopefully be back on the market very soon. Big Daddy’s Custom Tackle Crawgator Jig works well around timber and other wood cover.

“The head design really is fantastic around timber, lay down logs, and Cypress trees.” starts Danny, a G. Loomis Rod team pro. “Crawl it or hop it around wood like Cypress knees but do not be afraid to try it in deep brush piles.”

Danny adds that when the larger profile Crawgator jigs is not producing, a great second choice is a Stanley 3/16 ounce casting jig. The smaller profile and slower falls often triggers strikes when the weather changes such as a cold front passage. When confronted with rocky bottoms, a Stanley football heads gets tied on.

“The cover dictates what head design to use.” continues Danny, who completes his equipment with a Pinnacle high speed reel. “Try to match the head to the cover. It is not a rule but it is a great starting point and way to learn how to fish a jig.”

Jewel Baits (http://www.jewelbait.com) is another fine line of jigs. Football, Spider, and Eakins heads by Jewel top the list when it comes to rocky bottoms. However, do not leave them at home if there is a dock or other cover on the body of water. The Eakins Jigs has put plenty of tournament money in the livewell. The small profile and lighter wire hooks are great for long cast and deep water hooks sets.
There is plenty of information to digest when it comes to choosing the right jig. The first key is to match the cover to the head style of the jig. Jigs perform better if they are placed in cover that fits their design. Pick up a jig and view the head. Taped, bullet shaped heads are made for grass. Football silhouettes bounce and hop over rocks and gravel bottoms the best. When it comes to timber, brush, and Cypress knees, a broad shoulder style head prevents the lure from wedging in the branches. Match the proper rod and line to hook of the jig and the jig is ready to drop into the lake’s best cover. With some practice and knowledge, the club members might call you a jig man.

More Tips and Article by Jeff