Jig Fishing Techniques

Today's soft plastic lure market is booming with new styles and colors of baits, but when you are looking for the biggest bite of the day, the fish that consistently win tournaments; then anglers in the know go to the bait that has been proven over time to catch the biggest bass; the venerable jig-and-pig. 20 years ago, this bait was reserved for the sluggish bass, or for fishing in the heaviest cover, or for bottom fishing techniques. Today, this bait is being used at all times of the year, in a variety of different fashions.






This bait has remained relatively the same over the past 30 years. It has gone through some cosmetic changes, such as better hooks, livelier skirts, and a broader spectrum of colors and sizes, along with plastic trailers, which enable a wider variety of color options, but this bait, dressed with either plastic or pork, continues to catch bigger bass when other baits fail. Because of the popularity of the flipping technique used by most of the veteran anglers today, the jig has remained among the most popular baits in many anglers tackle boxes. Because of so many recreational anglers concentrating on the flipping technique, the jig's universal effectiveness has been overlooked.

Many people have forgotten that casting a jig is an effective technique also. The jig can be presented at a lot of different depths and around a variety of structure. You are really limiting yourself if you only focus on the flipping aspect of it. Many times during the summer months, we have come in behind other anglers flipping obvious targets, or casting more traditional summer lures, and we have caught bass making roll casts, and looking for isolated pieces of cover that other anglers have missed.
DIFFERENT SIZES

Jig sizes have changed in recent years, along with skirt material and colors. The 3/8 ounce size remains the most popular, with smaller versions are being used more and more with great success. The smaller finesse type of jigs are much more effective in clear water, while the heavier, bulky versions are great for fishing stained to muddy water. Not that the heavier jig isn't effective in some shallower, open water, but a more compact 1/2 ounce bait is more effective, than the bulkier style. I use a shorter trailer for this. This is especially true when fishing some of the finger lakes of New York State, or any of the waters where smallmouth bass are also present. The heavier jig is more effective when the bass are aggressive, as it allows you to fish it faster and cover more water. When the fish are suspended, or you need to keep it in the strike zone longer, the lighter jig is more effective. We always keep experimenting with several sizes, letting the bass tell us what they want. In the summer months, when we swim the jig around boat docks, we opt for the lighter 1/4 ounce size, with a plastic trailer, to imitate a crawfish or baitfish. Swimming the jig is a very effective technique that is overlooked by many weekend anglers. Most small jigs don't have a big enough hook to handle quality bass, which is why we use a Spotsticker handpoured Jighead. We have been using this bait since 2002, when we had great success with it in several local tournaments in cold water as well as in the summer. The Spotsticker has a bigger hook than most, and it handles larger bass well. In warmer, clear water, we like to use a grub or swimming worm as a trailer, this is very effective when you are trying to imitate a crawfish. In colder, or more stained to muddy waters, we like a bulkier trailer, as they displace more water and make it easier for the bass to home in on the bait.
The design of the jighead is another thing you have to think about. They need to be matched to the type of cover you are fishing. A jig that has a head that is more pointed, with its eyelet coming out of the front rather than the top, is going to pull through weeds better than a broad shouldered jig. We like to use a Jungle Jig, by Northland, or a Terminator Pro's Top Secret jig for this. The Terminator has a recessed eye, as does Mann's Stone jig designed by Mike Iaconelli, and they all come through this cover well.These jigs helped us win the Big Bass World Championship several times. They were very effective here in the Northeast, in some of the heavier, weedy cover. When we fish around rocks and wood, we use a jig with more shoulders to help stop it sometimes. Many companies make this type of football or stand up jig, which is great for these situations. When you pull it over an object, the jig tips, adding more action. We have used these jigs effectively on many of New Jersey's reservoirs such as Spruce Run. You must also match the size of the line to the size of the jig hook you are using. A heavy-duty jig hook requires a stronger hook set, so you need heavier line to handle it.
Of course, it helps to know when you're getting a bite. Big bass really thump a jig with the same vigor they do a plastic worm, and many other strikes are felt simply as spongy sensation, or just like you're dragging weeds. That's why it is important to set the hook on anything that feels unnatural, it could be weeds, or it could be a seven pounder!
JIG COLORS
While a black and blue jig seems to be the favorite, we like to match jig colors to the water conditions. A dark colored jig with a big crawfish trailer, moving on the bottom, does a great job imitating a crawfish, but a white jig swimming over cover and around boat docks does a good job of imitating a baitfish. This is great when bass want a slower presentation, or when you can't fish a crankbait or jerkbait with ease. Many times when bass are feeding on shad, but want a slower presentation than a spinnerbait, this is the best choice. It can also catch the bigger bass that are ignoring the spinnerbait. The new "Sweet Beavers" by Andre moore's company, "Reaction Innovations", have been the hottest and most productive soft plastic this year all over the country.
We like the plastic trailers in the summer months, and the pork in the winter.The new Uncle Josh Pork is more pliable in cold water, while plastic gets stiff. In places where many anglers cast tubes or small finesse worms, such as clear water flats, we cast jigs in neutral colors, and catch bigger bass. Many times when bass ignore other baits, the jig will trigger a strike. This is also a great bait for night fishing.

Steve vonBrandt
Sponsored by: GYCB (Yamamoto), Okuma, Delaware Tackle, TTI-Blakemore, and Ambush Lures.
Steve was the owner of Reeltime Anglers Guide Service in Wilmington, Delaware, Anglers Radio in Delaware and New Jersey, Reeltimeanglers, Bass Lure Review, and Delaware Tackle in Delaware. He also is a tournament angler and freelance outdoor writer. He has over 40 years of fishing experience in the Northeast, 5 years exp. in California. He has fished freshwater and saltwater since 1962, and has devoted to freshwater only since 1989. http://bassfishingstories.webs.com

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See my previous post: Trout Fishing Technique - Using Fly Fishing Bubbles is an Excellent Way to Catch Trout

Trout Fishing Technique - Using Fly Fishing Bubbles is an Excellent Way to Catch Trout

Anyone who spends time fishing for trout knows how effective artificial flies can be as a trout bait. Heck the terms "trout fishing" and "fly fishing" seem to be synonymous to many people, but fishing with artificial flies requires specialized equipment and skills that aren't an option to the traditional spin fisherman. That is until a traditional spin fisherman is introduced to the world of fly fishing bubbles.
In this article I will explain why using fly fishing bubbles to catch trout is an excellent trout fishing technique. First of all a fly fishing bubble is simply a small float that slips onto your line and can be filled with water for weight. After the bubble is filled with water, the weight of the bubble gives you the ability to cast and retrieve a lightweight fly in an effective manner while using traditional spin fishing tackle.
As the title of this article outlines, using fly fishing bubbles is an excellent way to catch trout and this trout fishing technique is set up as follows. The first thing you need is a fly fishing bubble (sometimes called a casting bubble). Your line is threaded through the fly fishing bubble and a swivel is tied to the end of your line to act as a "stopper", thus stopping the bubble from sliding past it.
A leader is now added to the opposite end of the swivel. Some people buy pre made leaders with a loop tied onto the butt end, providing you with an easy way to clip your leader onto a snap swivel. If you don't have a pre made leader, a length of light line can be used instead. It's a good idea to not use line heavier than six pound test if this is the route you are going to take. Whichever way you choose to go, your leader should be from five to eight feet in length.
Now an artificial fly is added to the end of the leader. Both wet and dry flies can be used with fly fishing bubbles. For the person new to this trout fishing technique a dry fly should be used. Being able to see the fly on top of the water makes learning the nuances of this fishing technique much easier.
At this point the fly fishing bubble itself is submerged into the water and the "stopper" is depressed, allowing water to enter the bubble itself. Fill the bubble three quarters of the way full of water and release the stopper for the best results. Now the rig is cast into the water. Allow the water to settle and slowly reel in the bubble with artificial fly in tow. A stop and start retrieve is usually the most effective, but as with all fishing techniques experimentation is the key to success.
The bottom line is that this trout fishing technique can be used by almost anyone and is the best way to fish an artificial fly while using traditional spinning tackle and gear. Fly fishing bubbles are an excellent way to catch trout, there's no doubt about it.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

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See my previous post:Tuna Fishing Technique - One Simple Tip Will Put More Fish in Your Boat Today

 

Fly Fishing Technique - The Best Technique For Fishing A Fly With Spinning Gear

When it comes to fishing with artificial flies every angler knows how effective they can be as bait for various species of fish from trout to largemouth bass, but at the same time everyone also knows that to fish artificial flies you need to use specialized fly fishing gear. As a matter of fact, many trout fishing tips involve some manner of fly fishing. The fact that fly fishing involves the use of "fly fishing" gear has always meant that unless a whole bunch of gear is purchased and a whole new style of fishing is learned, fly fishing hasn't been an option for traditional spin fishermen.


In this article I will introduce you to a fly fishing technique for fishing a fly with spinning gear. That's right, there is a way to fish an artificial fly with traditional spin fishing gear and it involves something called a casting bubble. A casting bubble is a small plastic "bubble" that attaches to your fishing line (in a similar manner to a slip bobber) and can be filled with water. The casting bubble is filled (or partially filled) with water to add weight to your rig, giving you the ability to cast a lightweight artificial fly effectively. The main problem with trying to fish an artificial fly with traditional tackle and gear is the fact that artificial flies weigh next to nothing and a casting bubble solves this problem.
So, how does this fly fishing technique work? Well let me explain. First of all, as I said just a moment ago a casting bubble is the first piece of tackle that is needed. It is slipped onto your fishing line and a swivel is added as a 'stopper' for the casting bubble. Now a tapered leader is added to the opposite end of the swivel and an artificial fly of your choice is added to the end of the leader.
A casting bubble has a small rod through the middle of it that can be depressed to let water into the bubble itself when it is being submerged in the water. This fly fishing technique can be used with both wet and dry flies. If the casting bubble is filled half way full of water it will float and a dry fly is the best course of action. If the bubble is filed completely with water it will sink, thus giving you the ability to fish a wet fly effectively. In either case, while using a wet of dry fly this technique is definitely the best technique for fishing artificial flies with spinning gear.
As with any fly fishing technique, or traditional fishing technique, the key to the whole deal is practice. The more time you can spend on the water practicing this manner of fishing, the more effective it will be for you. Although effective for many species of fish, this technique is certainly one of the best trout fishing tips that you will ever receive. It is especially effective when fishing for any species of freshwater trout.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his seven year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Get Casting bubble and other trout fishing tips 2X a month for FREE

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See my previous post:Tuna Fishing Technique - One Simple Tip Will Put More Fish in Your Boat Today

 

Tuna Fishing Technique - One Simple Tip Will Put More Fish in Your Boat Today

It always amazes me that some people continue to fish for tuna. As we all know, this sport is not a cheap one. It costs a ton of money just to put the boat in the water. Tack on the expensive fishing rods, lures, and GPS systems and we are talking about a small fortune. And this is before considering how much time it takes. Before you spend another dime, or waste more of your time trolling around the ocean, try out this one simply tuna fishing technique and you will almost certainly put more tuna in your boat today!
There is nothing like the site of blackfin tuna in a feeding frenzy. I love the way they simply destroy the surface of the water eating anything, and everything, in site. The sound that the surrounding birds make is music to my ears.

But where do you find the elusive fish? How can you increase your chances of having a large school come your way?
The secret is rubbish; trash to be more precise.
Shrimp boats trawl the ocean floors all night and almost immediately begin separating harvested shrimp from the other sea creatures that are scooped up along with the shrimp. I have heard scientist refer to this as 'bycatch' but captains simply call it trash, and this trash is how the magic happens.
When the shrimp boats have finished separating their catch, they go ahead and throw the trash overboard. All of this typically catches the attention of predators in the area, who quickly move in to feed upon the tiny fish and crustaceans now floating like perfectly prepared chum.
Enterprising captains know that we are fishing for tuna and will often save a few bags to sell for a few bucks. The key is to buy a few bags so that you can create your own trash feeding frenzy. Once you have your trash in hand, slowly approach the stern of an anchored shrimp boat. You will almost certainly see fish in the area. Once you do, turn off your engine and let some trash fly.
Drop a lot of chum initially to see what is in the water. If you see a bunch of bonitos you may need to consider moving. If, however, you see more blackfin tuna than bonitos slow the rate at which you are chumming to prevent the bonitos from going into a feeding frenzy. Wait until you see a few blackfins circling around, and then cast your line into the water. That is all there is to it!

Following this one simple tip can literally double the amount of blackfin tuna you catch almost instantly. If you would like to learn more advanced tuna fishing techniques, visit http://fishingtuna.info!

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See my previous post:A Trout Fishing Technique - Fly Fishing Without Using Fly Fishing Gear
 

A Trout Fishing Technique - Fly Fishing Without Using Fly Fishing Gear

Fly fishing has been well known as a great method for catching trout for many, many years, but what if you are a trout fisherman who doesn't fly fish? If you don't fly fish, you are probably under the impression that fishing with flies is not a possibility for you. This is actually not the case and this article will explain a very effective trout fishing technique for fly fishing without having to use fly fishing gear.
The entire act of fly fishing has always seemed like too much of "a production" to me to be a viable fishing alternative, but using artificial flies for fishing (and for trout fishing in particular) has always intrigued me because of their obvious effectiveness. The bottom line is that fishing with artificial flies can be accomplished without the use of traditional fly fishing gear, and the answer lies in the use of a casting bubble.

Using casting bubbles as a way to fly fish while using traditional spin fishing gear is an excellent trout fishing technique for any serious trout angler to add to their fishing repertoire. A casting bubble is simply a small clear "bubble" (much like a bobber) that slips onto your fishing line providing weight for casting lightweight flies. The "bubble" is then retrieved slowly with the fly to tow. Casting bubbles can be used to fish both wet and dry flies effectively. Casting bubbles are easy to use and an excellent fishing technique to learn and employ for many species of fish, but especially for trout.
When using a casting bubble and fly it's very important to be able to see not only the bubble itself while it in being retrieved, but in some cases the fly itself as well. This is why it's important to wear a quality pair of polarized glasses when using this trout fishing technique. Polarized sunglasses cut through the glare and refraction of the sun as it reflects off of the water. Being able to see what's going on with your casting bubble and fly are very important, so a quality pair of polarized sun glasses are also very important when using this fishing technique.
The bottom line is that using a bubble to fish with a lightweight fly works and is an excellent technique to learn and have available when fishing for trout. If you've ever wanted to use flies as bait, but don't like the idea of "fly fishing" a casting bubble is the technique for you. It is the only way to go "fly fishing" without using traditional fly fishing gear.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Casting Bubble Combo - http://www.jrwfishing.com/castingbubblecombo.html

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See my previous post:3 Tips To Make Fishing Lures At Home