Flipping & Pitching
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.
Setup & Gear
| 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 |
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
Seasonal Tactics
spring
Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
summer
Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
fall
Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
winter
Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Hank's Pro Tip
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
Frequently Asked
7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action. Pair it with a 7.1:1 baitcaster, spooled with 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass). Use 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse.
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
Spring: Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points. Fall: Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques
Want to know when to throw this?
He'll tell you exactly what to tie on — no hedging.
Ask Hank →