How to Fish for Bass Using a Jig Lure

Jig lures are popular among bass fishermen because they can be fished in a variety of ways and in many areas. Anglers can attach plastic trailers to jigs or rig them with minnows, leeches and other live bait. Jig lures can be hopped or dragged along the bottom, fished in heavy cover or retrieved through the water column without ever touching the bottom. They also are available in a wide ranges of sizes so that fishermen can use them in water of any depth.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod and reel
• Fishing line
• Assortment of jig heads
• Plastic trailers
• Live bait

Instructions

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1. Decide what type of jig lure you want to use. Some of the popular ones for bass fishing are mushroom-head jigs, ball-shaped jig heads and skirted jigs. Mushroom-head and ball-shaped jigs, rigged with plastic trailers or live bait, are particularly effective where cover is sparse. Skirted jigs often have a weedguard, so they are weedless in nature and are best used in heavy cover.

2. Select an area to fish. While jig lures can be used nearly anywhere, it is important to think about where bass will be. They oftentimes are found around cover such as boat docks and aquatic vegetation. Also, places where there is a quick change from shallow to deep water often hold bass.

3. Cast into the area you have selected. On your first cast, let the jig sink all the way to the bottom. Then lift your rod slowly to the 12 o'clock position and feel for any weight or other sensation that could mean a fish has grabbed your lure. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, set the hook. If not, lower your rod to the 9 o'clock position. As you lower your rod, reel in the slack line. Raise your rod again to 12 o'clock and feel for anything out of the ordinary. Repeat this process until the jig lure is back to the boat or shore.

4. Vary your retrieve speed and style. Sometimes, bass like a jig lure that is dragged slowly along the bottom. Other times, they prefer a jig lure that is hopped along the bottom. Still other times, they are more attracted to a jig that is retrieved quickly without touching the bottom. Experiment with different retrieves until you find one the bass prefer. But keep in mind this can change by the day, by the hour, or even by the minute.

5. Cast your jig lure into a variety of different areas in which bass may be holding. Pay particular attention to docks, aquatic vegetation (especially along the edges of it, where bass feed), off-shore humps, drop-offs and vegetation that grows on the bottom and extends beyond the surface of the water. Select a weedless jig lure if the cover is heavy and likely to snag an exposed hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different trailers on your jig lure. Often, bass will prefer one particular trailer, whether it is live bait or a plastic imitation. As a general rule, use a jig lure that is just heavy enough to maintain contact with the bottom. Do not be afraid to set the hook. Bass often bite jig lures lightly, so it can be difficult to determine when a bass has struck. When in doubt, set the hook.

• Make sure you have the proper fishing license to target bass.