Growing up I was schooled on jig fishing by many unsung hero’s slinging hair jigs, grubs and hand tied configurations for monster walleyes and pike on the Mighty Miss!! Carefully working these presentations up and over tackle eating structure dropping them in the mouths of the biggest and baddest. I’d spend most of my summers down along the river slinging from shore side by side with some of the best jig fisherman in the state. To these boys I tip my hat, and give them much credit for my second hand knowledge I’m able to share with my customers and friends!! Here’s to ya!!
With the fishing industry producing more tackle than anglers producing fish I think it is important to focus energy on subtle finesse presentations to mimick the baitfish that your predator fish are actually feeding on. There is no doubt in my mind that mastering the art of jig fishing WILL put more and bigger fish in your boat this and for years to come!! I jig fish eyes, pike, crappies, and smallies year round. Matching your techniques and jig patterns with the season is imperative to your success. For instance early in the year if the fish are a bit lethargic I’ll go light in shallow water with perch or crayfish imitaitons. Mid-summer as our big eyes move deep after ciscoes and smelt I will follow deep with bigger plastics in opaque or silver shimmering colors with size matches of the baitfish being spit up in the livewell. Do NOT underestimate the importance of matching up your presentation to what is being preyed upon in your body of water much the same a savy Trout angler matches a bug hatch. I’m NOT saying you can’t catch fish with double trebled Beer cans speed trolling while knocking down a sandwich, but what I am saying is that if you take your game to the next level it involves fooling that fish that is a bit smarter, and a bit bigger than the rest. Jig fishing is much more involved than what many might think. Here is to expanding your thought process when it comes to jigging methods!!
Vertical, Casting, pitching, swimming, snapping, hovering. Plastics, hair, feathers, minnows, crawlers, leeches.
Multiple colors, stingers….The schemes are endless, and on any given day or condition one will outproduce the other. I’m here to say that you can and will pound all species of fish with the right combo from above. Jig fishing to me is PERSONAL. Get personal with these fish as feeding is essential to survival, so the biggest, baddest and smartest all eat. You can learn bottom contours and makeups by working lead. I learn current flows and where fish are relating in the water column by carefully analyzing what is happening with my presentation. You too can learn the subtle things that can produce huge results by simply paying close attention to seemingly minor details. I’ve had many people question SIMPLY JIGGING for walleyes rather than Figuring out mathematical equations for trolling or other techniques. I’m here to tell you if you fish waters such where fish locate on structure jig fishing is where it is at period. I know of no other way which enables an angler to keep on top of tightly schooled fish with maximum efficiency and minimum disturbance. Trolling through tight schools of fish often times has you moving through those fish on an occassional pass where holding on them has you pulling these pigs out like a Yogi Bear fishing adventure. Furthermore when fish locate to snag filled structure a jig may be one of the only methods allowing you to get your presentation in front of them.
When it comes to my personal favorite jig for the Daze smackdown it is hands down the H20 Precision jig in a multitude of color combinations. Here is why I prefer to lay my success or failures of myself, and customers in their hands. Paint job is second to none, slightly longer shank and bait keeper works universally for live bait and plastics enabling me to utilize them for multiple applications. Last of all the hooks are RAZOR sharp and strong!! YOU BEND OUT ON A BIG FISH FOR ME AND I’M GONNA GET CRANKY!! LOL!! So this year if your looking to go big might want to get back the basics. Afterall the formula for success is pretty simple. Find Baitfish = Find Predator fish + Imitate Prey = catch Target fish = Smile your gonna be on IDO!!
Tight lines Team!!
Being a river guy jigs are one of my go-to baits year round!