Jig (Casting & 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
Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod and reel do I need for Jig (Casting & Pitching)?
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.
What conditions are best for Jig (Casting & Pitching)?
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
When is the best season to fish the Jig (Casting & Pitching)?
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.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with the Jig (Casting & Pitching)?
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?
Ask Hank about your specific lake, water temp, and conditions — he'll tell you exactly what to tie on.
Ask Hank →