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The Basics of Jig Fishing
By Ross Grothe
Jigs will work for walleye in all seasons wherever you fish.
If you
keep the following basic ideas regarding jigs in mind next time you’re
on walleye water, you’ll be on the right track to success.
In most situations you should be able to get by with four jig
sizes,
usually fewer than that. On most lakes, rivers, and reservoirs,
you
should almost always be able to get by with a selection of 1/16, 1/8,
1/4, and 3/8 ounce jigs. True, in some rivers you will need heavier
jigs and below a slip bobber a lighter one might work best, but day
in
and day out, on most waters, these four sizes will be completely
adequate. I use more 1/8-ounce size than any other, and lately
I have
been using more of the 1/16-ounce size.
Use plastic bodies to slow the fall of the jig, to add bulk and
visibility in stained and dirty water, and to add color.
I like to use
a plastic body of one color with a jighead of another color. That
provides contrast and also increases the chance of showing the fish
the
color they want. Pink/ white and orange/ chartreuse are favorite
color
combinations.
Keep in mind that the walleye's vision will be impaired in the
darker
environment. Fluorescent colors will often be more productive
in this
condition. In the spring and summer I like to use plastic bodied
jigs
like the Lipstick jig. The reason that I prefer this type of
jig is
that it adds bulk, making it easier for the fish to see. Sometimes
it
works well to use a larger than ordinary jig in dirty water, especially
if snags aren’t a problem. The larger jig is more visible, and
also
makes more noise as it moves across the bottom. The combination
of
those two factors can mean a few more fish from time to time.
Sometimes an action-tail jig will trigger more fish, especially
when
they are active. An action tail jig can be worked faster than
a typical
jig. This allows you to put the bait in front of more fish, and
when
they’re going, that might mean a few more biters. The action
tail also
gives off more vibration, which helps more fish to find the bait.
Increase the hook gap to catch more fish. I like to bend
the hook out
a little so it will catch easier in the fish’s mouth. Just bend
the
point of the hook up a little bit for more sure hooking results.
When you are increasing the hook gap of the jig, check the sharpness
of
the hook. If the tip of the hook is bent, try to straighten it, or
replace the jig. Sharp hooks will definitely increase hooking
percentages.
Line size will affect the jigs’ productivity. A jig will
sink faster
on a small diameter line than on a larger diameter line because of
water
resistance. If you want to fish a light jig in deep water, light
line
will be necessary.
However, a light jig in shallow water might be better on heavier
than
ordinary line. I use six-pound test Sensor line with 1/8 ounce
jigs
most of the time, but if deep water is to be fished I might go to
four-pound test Easy Cast.
Remember, you can catch walleyes and everything else on jigs
if you
consider the basic things we have discussed. Best of all, you
don’t
have to have a big tackle box and you can leave all the other lures
behind. Best of luck to you and I hope you catch a big one!
Walleyes Inc. website is maintained
by Randy
Tyler Fishing the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Circuit, Masters
Walleye Circuit and the Team Walleye Circuit. All rights reserved.Copyright
1999/2000
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