Throwing a jig in wicked cold water

[Reel Northern Bass]

When it comes to fishing wicked cold water, like 45 degrees and less, I still prefer to throw a jig because I despise throwing a jerkbait. While it did produce my biggest smallmouth ever at 5 lbs even, I've still only managed to catch about 10 fish on them over the past 5 years. It's a bait that I want to use, but have zero confidence in because I haven't caught nearly enough fish on it.

The jig though, that I understand and have complete confidence in. One of these days I'll get the hang of that jerkbait, but until then, my faithful jig will get me by. Made a vid from a trip out last month talking about just that, hope you guys enjoy it. (And yes I know the audio is a bit out of sync, could not fix it despite repeated attempts)

[born 2 fish]

I'm polar opposite I have all the confidence in the world with a jerk bait. And none in a jig.

[Legend870]

I like em both! Just keep plugging with em and you'll get figured out. Good video

[DrewFlu33]

I'm polar opposite I have all the confidence in the world with a jerk bait. And none in a jig.

Same

[BigSexyPhoenix]

I can count on one hand the number of fish I've caught on a jerkbait. None. I keep some in the boat but they have never produced for me.

[Flashpoint]

Great video!!! Thanks for posting.

[Stingray23]

opposite for me

[cubswin]

Here I'm often throwing either a tube or a square bill this time of the year. Swim jigs as well. Seems like on the days I fish before ice out fish are fairly active.

[yanknbass]

good video Sean.

[wildturkey]

Jig or old style grub for cold water for me.

[wicker*man]

Jig is all I need down to about 39 degrees.

[95202DCX]

HINT....can't fish one slow enough!

[Thermodude]

I've got some pretty nice bass on jigs while ice forms in my rod line guides.......done the same with jerkbaits.......

[skeeterJim]

I like both. By the way is that a private lake? Any body of water around here, there would be at least three other boats in each camera shot.

[kingbee]

i do well with both but i prefer the jig

[Phoenix Jim]

I like em both! Just keep plugging with em and you'll get figured out. Good video

i like both too. Two weeks ago they ate a jig in 48 degree water. This past weekend in 44 degree they ate a jerk and it had to be a megabass

[GaryL]

Only given those two choices the jig wins hands down. I catch fish on jigs in 36-38 degree water. Just have to adjust the presentation. Go from slow too oh my god slow and down size. Small profile like a bitsy bug. I have caught a ton of LM and SM on jigs in cold water.

[Mikekylake]

Prefer the jig

[98 Elite203]

In water temps under 40*, forget the jig. Your missing out if you don't have a blade bait in your hand....and this is coming from a guy who uses a jig all year long in every single condition out there.

[BoatBuggy]

I like them both too. When I'm fishing smallies, I'm probably in 20-35 ft of water grinding a plain 3/4 oz fb jig w small craw or a small jigging spoon along the bottom and when I'm fishing largies, I'm chucking a suspending jerkbait over weeds in 10-15 ft of water. I find the largies are pretty much done when the water goes below 40 but the smallies will hit until I can't launch the boat anymore.