http://susquehannafishing.com/
By Bryan Wilhelm
In the first and second editions of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine were articles on jig fishing. The first edition had Winter Fishing for Smallmouth Bass and the second edition was Smallmouth Candy. Both detailed the attributes of jigs… plus how to select and fish jigs in rivers. This third and last in the series of articles gives greater detail of the advanced jigs (what I call Master Jigs) and how and when to fish them. In addition, this third article reviews and summarizes all three installments. When you have read all three you will have a better understanding of what jigs to use in what situations for best fishing success.
There are three additional jigs that I would like to introduce…
First is what I call the flippin and pitchin (f&p) jig.
Flippin and pitchin jig is shown above.
This f&p jig is a very effective jig to use anytime of the year. The one shown is dressed to emulate a crawfish. Rabbit strip claws, rubber legs, and large eyes are key trigger features. A multi-stranded weed guard is one of these jigs features. It comes in a wide selection of weights from 1/8 through 2 ounces. You should select a size and weight that maintains bottom contact but does not anchor the bait in the current.
Second is the river jig.
The river jig
The river jig is again made to appear like a crawfish. The Erie head shape sets this jig in the defense posture while fishing. It can be made in many weights from 1/8 through ¾ ounces, 1/8 and ¼ ounce versions are most popular. It is dressed with feathers to suggest claws, has eyes, and includes latent features such as craft fur (which I call Bozo Hair) and flash to suggest movement. The craft fur retains scent extremely well. Sometimes bass will nose or bump a lure. If the lure is scented… they will commit and bite.
The third jig is a finesse jig.
I call this my jig. It weighs just 1/16 ounce. I always fish this jig on a short (4½’ to 5’), fast action spinning rod with 4 pound test mono. It is the most difficult jig to fish because of its light weight. Even with the slightest breeze you will have a bow in your line. Watch the bow for a subtle tick…. then set the hook. Most times you will not feel the take. This jig is made to fish soft plastic, like 4” do-nothing worms or 3” grubs. Select color and translucency of plastic to suit conditions.
Summary –
Jig selection:
• Match the jig color to the bottom color of the river you are fishing.
• Use brighter colors in stained water and darker muted colors in clear water.
• Fish muted colors and low flash when fish are neutral. Use bright flashy jigs when the bass are aggressive.
• Add minnows or leaches when fish are neutral and reluctant to bite.
• Fish the lightest jig for prevailing conditions (depth, current and wind).
Preparation and Presentation:
• Wash your hands before handling lures… rewash several times each day.
• Fish with 5½ to 6½ foot medium-to-fast action graphite spinning rods for light jigs and 7 foot flippin sticks with 30 pound test braid for heavy cover.
• Tie a 6 foot leader of Fluorocarbon line to super braids with back to a back uni-knot.
• Use as light a line as possible … open water: 4 lb test, heavy cover: 20 lb test and greater.
• Use scents
• Fish jigs in close, and maintain loose contact to reduce snags and detect takes.
• Immediately strike when you detect a fish. Wait to feel them and it’s all over. Smallmouth will pop it and drop it in a heartbeat.
• The most important thing is… when your lure hits the water, maximize your concentration. Think of nothing but what is going on down there. Focus on the other end of your line.
I sincerely hope this information helps make you a better fisherman.
Tight lines… Bryan Wilhelm
Bryan Wilhelm is a multi-species light tackle angler with many years experience both as a professional and a sportsman on the lower Susquehanna River. His zeal for fishing grows each passing year. We look forward to him sharing his experiences.
