Where, When, And Why To Use Different Jigs For Bass Fishing
When bass fishing, there are all kinds of different lures and tactics to try for a number of reasons. One of the more common strategies is to fish with jigs. But when it comes to picking the right jig, it can be confusing to figure out. Here’s a breakdown of where, when, and why to use some of the more common jig options on the market.
Flippin’ Jigs
Flippin’ jigs are designed with a streamlined head and a thick weed guard to keep them from getting caught on weeds and other debris. They also typically have a heavy-gauge hook. These jigs are best used around heavy cover, laydowns, vegetation, and shallow brush that they are able to rip through without too much trouble.
These can be a great option to use year round, with some of the best times being in the late winter and early spring. They are great at penetrating some dense cover areas and triggering bits in some tighter spaces that bass spend their time in.
Pitchin’ Jigs
Pitchin’ jigs are similar to flippin’ jigs, but they usually have a slightly smaller head. They’re best used around thicker vegetation, submerged logs, and smaller areas of cover.
The best time to use a pitchin’ jig is during the warmer months when bass are at their most active point. The main reason to use a pitchin’ jig is when casting shorter distances when you need to be more precise in your cast.
Casting Jigs
Casting jigs can have a variety of head shapes, such as round or flat-bottomed. They have a mid-sized weed guard to help from getting caught up in cover, but it’s not usually quite as robust as what you’d find on a flippin’ or pitchin’ jig. These jigs are designed with multiple uses in mind, as they are effective in a variety of depths and cover types.
The best time to use a casting jig is when you’re fishing in clear water and when bass are roaming the flats in the body of water you’re fishing. Casting jigs allow you to make long casts, so you can cover a wide area while still being able to fish throughout the water column.
Football Jigs
Just like the name implies, football jigs come with a football-shaped head. They’ll also typically have a fuller skirt than other jigs. Football jigs are great to use in rocky bottoms, deep structure, or creek channel bends.
They can be used all year round, especially at times when you know the bass are going to be in deeper water. The main reason to use a football jig is to fish in deeper water and still maintain better bottom contact than other jigs can offer. They can also easily roll over rocky terrain.
Swim Jigs
Swim jigs have a more bullet-shaped head, a lighter weed guard, and a sharp narrow hook. These are great to use around weed lines, sparse grass patches, and shallow cover.
The best time to use a swim jig is in warmer water and when trying to more accurately imitate baitfish. When fishing the different weed lines, grass patches, or other cover, swim jigs can be an effective option to try and cover a lot of different spots.