Here are the 4 main things to consider when choosing/ buying a jig. You could buy all the jigs in the market but it would be useless if you do not know when to use what.
The first thing that comes to mind when you are selecting your jig. This will determine the size profile of you jig and also how fast it takes to reach the bottom. As a rule of thumb I like to start off with the lightest jig I can use and work my way up. This will give me the smallest profile jig that tend to get more bites.
How to choose ?
A heavier jig would reach the bottom faster than a lighter jig and would not be affected by the current as much. If you find that your jig drifting too far by the time it touches the bottom switch to a heavier jig. Do the reverse if your jig is too heavy and you want to let your jig to drift alittle in the current to cover ground
Shape- How to choose the correct shape
The next step after choosing the size you want to fish with would be the shape. The shape of the jig will determine the jig action when being worked and also if it flutters on the drop. A flatter jig would have more action than one which is cylindrical shaped. Take note that a flatter jig has ore water resistance hence affects how fast i reaches the bottom. A leaf shape jig would take longer than a slim long jig of the same weight to reach the bottom.
How to choose?
This would vary according to the location. Ask around and find out what works. If you cant get any experiment around till you find what is working. Fluttering jigs has more action and can get fishes to bite when they are not active.
Material of the jig
Not all jigs are made of lead. Another alternative is tungsten which is about 1.7 times denser than lead. What this means is that jigs can be made heavier with a smaller profile. Which is great for micro jigging. This solves the problem when the fishes are only eating tiny jigs but the current is too strong for a tiny lead jig to get to the fishes. A tungsten jig of the same size would weigh heavier and allow you to reach the bottom with out having to change to a bigger profile jig.
How to choose?
The down side of tungsten jigs is its price. Is it worth the price some may ask? yes if you are making full use of its advantages. If you are caught in a situation where you need a heavier jig to reach the bottom but by doing so the fishes would shy away from the bigger jig, the tungsten jig would shine. Not only will it have the same size or smaller but will get down faster as it is heavier.
Shape- How to choose the correct shape
The next step after choosing the size you want to fish with would be the shape. The shape of the jig will determine the jig action when being worked and also if it flutters on the drop. A flatter jig would have more action than one which is cylindrical shaped. Take note that a flatter jig has ore water resistance hence affects how fast i reaches the bottom. A leaf shape jig would take longer than a slim long jig of the same weight to reach the bottom.
How to choose?
This would vary according to the location. Ask around and find out what works. If you cant get any experiment around till you find what is working. Fluttering jigs has more action and can get fishes to bite when they are not active.
Material of the jig
Not all jigs are made of lead. Another alternative is tungsten which is about 1.7 times denser than lead. What this means is that jigs can be made heavier with a smaller profile. Which is great for micro jigging. This solves the problem when the fishes are only eating tiny jigs but the current is too strong for a tiny lead jig to get to the fishes. A tungsten jig of the same size would weigh heavier and allow you to reach the bottom with out having to change to a bigger profile jig.
How to choose?
The down side of tungsten jigs is its price. Is it worth the price some may ask? yes if you are making full use of its advantages. If you are caught in a situation where you need a heavier jig to reach the bottom but by doing so the fishes would shy away from the bigger jig, the tungsten jig would shine. Not only will it have the same size or smaller but will get down faster as it is heavier.
Color-Does Color really matter
Well this is a really up to the angler and down to personal choice. There had been debate over years if fishes can see color. Use what you like. Personally I like using natural colors.
How to choose ?
If you are unsure of what colors to use ask around what color works. I've personally seen a particular color working well over another but is still up for you to decide. As a rule of thumb bait fishes are normally sliver in color which seems to be a safe bet I go with when I start off for the day.
Tip micro jigging is about being small
For fishes like sagai. Sometimes a smaller jig is all it takes to get them to bite. The Bait fish they are after are tiny so dont be afraid to go small.
Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did! Do comment if you have any question !
FISHINGJOJO
interesting read, thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust what i need, i learning micro jigging right now and need lot of information... I have a rod that says action: medium -heavy ... Do you think i can use that for jigging with metal jig ?
ReplyDelete