Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Lake Murray
Lake Murray · Oklahoma · South Central
Located in south-central Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a strikingly clear, man-made reservoir characterized by abundant rocky structure, deep ledges, and scattered brush piles. It supports strong populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with the latter thriving in the lake's pristine, rock-heavy environment.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Lake Murray
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Lake Murray
Lake: Spring bass stage on main lake points and rocky transition banks as water temperatures climb, moving to shallower gravel beds and coves for spawning, responding well to jerkbaits and jigs.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: During summer, bass gravitate to offshore structure like deep humps, ledges, and submerged brush piles, often holding in 15-30 feet, making drop shots and deep crankbaits highly effective.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall activity sees bass keying in on shad migrations around main lake points and creek mouths, leading to schooling behavior and excellent opportunities for topwater baits and spinnerbaits.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter fishing requires a slower approach, targeting deep humps and steep rocky breaks in 20-40 feet, where slow-rolled football jigs and suspending jerkbaits can coax bites from lethargic fish.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Lake Murray
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