Jigs, Live Baits and Plastics - Part 1

Jig Fishing Jig fishing is one of the most versatile techniques there are for catching walleyes. It takes time to learn and lots of practice. There is no substitute for experience or time on the water. Time on the water is priceless. Who can place a price on it? The more practice and time that you give it, the more walleye fishing seems easy. These days good jig fishermen are getting harder to find, but it is still one of the most enjoyable ways to catch walleyes. Once acquired, this art-form of jigging can be easily taught to family and friends.

Shapes and sizes of jigs vary from the type of presentation that will be used. It is hard to beat the round head for all-around jig fishing. It can be used for every presentation, fast or slow, vertical or horizontal, cast or trolled. It is simple and easy to use and has been used for generations. Lighter jigs, 1/8 and 1/4 ounce are the standard for most lakes and rivers, when fishing depths of 15 feet or less. Use heavier jigs, from 3/8 ounce all the up to the jumbo 1 ounce, for waters over 15 feet. However, round-head jigs work best when fishing close to the boat in a more vertical presentation.

Jig shape can be very important when the need to present the jig slowly is necessary. Most often a slow presentation is used to fish the jig away from the boat , through casting or pitching and sometimes when drifting. This is when a banana or torpedo-shape works best. The eye of these jigs is more horizontal as opposed to the 90 degree bend of the round-head jig. Often a plastic twister tail is added for color, action and to help slow the fall. Teaming this slow fall presentation with lively bait can be a great combination. The large size of the combination and slow drop through the water column can be addictive to large fish that have moved into the shallows to feed. It also provides better visibility in low light or murky water. Jigs with eyes that are more horizontal also pull through weeds much better when fished away from the boat. When casting or pitching these jigs, adjust the weight of the jig to the time of the fall. Lighter weights fall slower. It all depends on how fast you want to fish a given area and on the mood of the fish. These jigs work very well when fishing cabbage weeds with open pockets in them, or along the outside weed line. It is necessary to have fairly clean water for this, as seeing the weeds is almost a requirement for successful fishing. Jigs with weed guards help when visibility is low. Standup jigs are an excellent choice for fishing flats with sand and scattered gravel on lakes and reservoirs. Cast and retrieve to smaller areas, drift or troll larger areas. Jigs that have an extra eye for a stinger hook are preferred for larger baits or for fishing night crawlers. These jigs work very well when they are dragged across the bottom, kicking up a trail of debris, as long as they are not hidden by it. If the bottom is soft silt, it is better to lift and drop, leaving little clouds of mud behind. Both techniques work well when using these jigs.

Another popular jig is the propeller jig, or bladed jig. They will work for most any presentation, but propeller jigs shine (work best) when fished quickly, or in current when at an anchored position. For fishing anchored along a river or stream, let the jig down slowly below the boat until it hits bottom. A bait casting rod and a reel equipped with a flipping switch rules for this. After the jig hits, lift and drop, letting out more line using the flipping switch when dropping the jig, until it hits again. Work this downstream until the hole is covered or the jig finds its natural resting place (stops) and then repeat. A partner should be doing just the opposite. Cast a heavier jig (one that can overcome the current and stay on the bottom) downstream and slowly crawl it back to the boat. Once again, two presentations are being used at the same time, one upstream and one down. It is not a good idea to anchor where other fishermen are trolling or drifting with the current. Instead find eddies, current breaks or drop offs that no one is fishing near. These spots should hold fish that haven't been fished yet. Trolling with bladed or propeller type jigs works as well. Slowly troll with a gentle lift and drop action. This will cause a disturbance on the bottom and appeal to the natural curiosity of walleyes in the area. When the blade stops turning, it usually triggers the strike. Sometimes this technique works very well when fished faster with heavier jigs. Always fish as fast as the fish will allow, sometimes the faster the better.

Questions and Answers

1. Why is time on the water priceless? No walleye angler could ever place a price on it.

2. When should a banana or torpedo-shaped jig be used? Banana and torpedo-shaped jigs work best when slow falling presentations are used away from the boat.

3. What areas should an angler target when fishing in cabbage weeds? Look for open pockets in cabbage weeds, or the outside weed line.

4. Standup jigs are a good choice for fishing what areas? Standup jigs work the best on sand and gravel flats.

5. When do propeller jigs shine? Propeller jigs shine when fished quickly, trolled, or in current from an anchored position.