How to Use a Herring Jig

Catch herring for bait with a jigging rig.

Herring are commonly used by anglers when fishing for a variety of both fresh and saltwater game fish. Found in many waters throughout the United States, herring that are 3 to 4 inches long are often favored by many anglers as bait. Although herring can be purchased from bait and tackle shops as fresh bait, many anglers prefer to catch their own herring for bait. Jigging for herring is a common and productive method for filling a bait bucket before a fishing trip.

Things You'll Need

• Light action spinning rod with matched reel and line
• Sabiki jigging rig
• Lead weight
• Bait bucket

Instructions

1. Attach one end of the Sabiki rig to the main fishing line. Tie the main line to the swivel eye on one end of the Sabiki rig with a uni knot. Moisten the knot before pulling down tight and trim excess line from the knot with scissors.

2. Attach a small lead weight to the opposite end of the Sabiki rig to help hold the jigging rig straight in the water. Choose a weight of 1/2 ounce or less, depending on preference and fishing conditions, to clip onto the barrel swivel on the bottom of the rig.

3. Lower the Sabiki jigging rig into the water so that it is submerged. Position the jigging rig at a depth where herring are located or based on personal fishing preference. Experiment with the rig at different depths, if necessary, until herring are located.

4. Raise the Sabiki jigging rig up and down so the hooks or small jigs, depending on the rig, move up and down in the water.

5. Observe the feel of the rod for a slight tap or pull indicating that one or more herring are striking a hook or jig.

6. Raise the rod tip to set the hook. Reel in the main line to pull the Sabiki rig from the water and land the herring bait fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the herring in a bait bucket and continue fishing until the desired number of herring are caught.

References

• Lake Michigan Angler: Sabiki Rigs