I've recently started fishing with jigs and I'm having trouble telling when I get a strike. I can't tell the difference between a "tap" from a fish and a "tap" from a branch?? Is this kind of normal when you first get started? They feel mushy to me... mud? muck?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
thx, b
If it feels mushy, SET THE HOOK. A fish in heavy cover is normaly suspended in the cover, when you drop your jig in front of him he just sucks it in and sits there with it, that is why it feels mushy. And this is usually a quality fish. The smaller fish will run in the cover grab the jig and take off (like he is trying to take the rod out of your hand). Feel for a jig takes time to get used to, if something does not feel right set the hook. Some people think it looks silly to swing and miss, but what really looks silly is to not swing when you need to.
does the same apply when fishing ponds? That usually don't have any deep structure. Thats why I always tell myself its just a jig full of muck from the bottom...
To me, it feels like a leaf is on the jig. If your line moves, you feel a tic, it feels heavier--set the hook. Pros like Brauer and Biffle have set the hook on thousands of 'ghost" fish in their careers. You will always wonder if you do not set the hook. Best way to learn is to just fish the jig exclusively for awhile. It is the best big fish lure around.
Good Fishing!
Flatlands Custom Tackle
Oscar Custom Baits
X-Factor Lures
Crimson Creek Baits
Good info from the guys here Brad....may I ask, what type of fishing line are you using?
As far as detecting strikes, just keep fishing that Jig and you will get a feel for it. Jerks are free, so don't be afraid to swing and miss.
As for the line, I like Flourocarbon for jigs and worms(it is nearly invisible to fish and has great feel, with low stretch) ; Power Pro braid for topwater (you will get a good popping action from your lures with the lack of stretch), and occasionally Mono flourecent blue for night fishing.
B
Heard a Pro say one time " The only thing free in bass fishing is the jerk, so don't be afraid to do it"
I would switch over to flouro or braid....sensitivity is the key factor for fishing jigs, worms etc. As mentioned, it takes time and practice but I think you'll find the flouro or braid will significantly increase your feel for the bite.
I palm the reel and lay the line between the thumb and finger for bite detection as well.
Depending on the cover and depth you are fishing of course, but try fishing with a lighter weight jig until you get the feel for the bite...a 5/16 is my recommendation. Just a few things that have helped me.....good luck.
+1 On the Fluro. There is such a huge difference
I'm relatively new to fishing jigs, but I run a HI-VIS braid (yellow power pro), and then tie on a 4-5 ft 12lb pline fluoro leader (uni-uni knot). I seem to have better results by tying to fluorocarbon, but the HI-VIS braid also allows you to see any of the bites you may not be feeling.
Like others have said, when in doubt, swing. What got me hooked on jig fishing was going to a lake that jigs produce VERY well on. By knowing what to expect, it helped me to learn what jigs feel like.
Also, up in Michigan, for example, a lot of lakes have a muck bottom that make them unsuitable for fishing jigs (i.e. your jig will just sink into the muck, in most depths). Try fishing hard rock, hard sand, etc... places where you KNOW you aren't pulling a jig through muck. Once your confidence builds, it will probably grow to become your favorite lure.
I have had really good luck the last few days "swimming" the jig. Take a Baby Brushhog and use it for the trailer( pinch off the head behind the front legs), and just cast and reel while giving a little rod jerk for some extra action.
This has produced fish, when the normal jig style wouldn't.
Just keep throwing it and you will get the feel. It just takes time on the water. After a couple of years the jig will become your #1 go to bait.
Probably the most difficult jig bite there is to detect is the gravel feel bite. It kinda feels like they are moving their lower jaw to the left and to the right rolling the jig between their teeth. If you are not on your toes with this one, you will never know there was a fish there. When you move the jig they move, when you stop they stop, and then they start the teeth rolling stuff again, and its always super super soft (even with floro) and your line will never move. But when you set the hook on these fish it will get your heart pumping.
YA HOOO!!! I just finished my, er, uh, "lunch hour" and all I can say is...
...Thanks for the tips!!! I popped about a 4 lber, and I barely felt it! I thought it was my jig coming across a small branch, so, since swings are free, I gave it my best and BAM!!!
Oh well, back to the grind...
b
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