The Art of Swimming a Jig
by Capt. Mike Gerry
As the bass start to move shallow toward spring a presentation that catches big fish that many forget about is swimming a jig while everyone else is pulling fast moving baits like rattle baits and spinner baits. I contend if you want to win a tournament there is no better big fish bait than a jig, and the swimming technique is deadly. The key to swimming a jig is making it look like a crawfish in the water.
There is a few things that make this presentation deadly, the most important is getting the jig to hop in and up and down movement over the grass. This is done with the tip of the rod, you just have to use the tip while reeling to get the bait to come off the bottom. Slightly pick the tip up, and drop it and the jig will move up and down and look like a crawfish moving about the bottom or in and out of grass patches; it is an easy technique yet deadly when it comes to catching fish.
Many people believe that the jig head design gives you the movement, there are manufacturers that change the direction of the eye where you tie the line too. I personally believe the head design has nothing to do with the movement, it's all in your ability to move the bait and reel at the same time. I also, make the head move by shaking it as I am reeling and dropping it in and out of grass patches. There are many times when you're moving, dropping and shaking your jig and it gets hung in the grass line; this is an ideal opportunity to stroke the jig by ripping it back. Bass react to a stroking motion, and you generally get a bite when this occurs.
If you want to show off a big sack of fish in the spring, put your rattle bait down and tie on your jig and swim it through structure, grass and rip rap and hold on because that big bite is coming!
About the author: Captain Mike Gerry
Living in the North Alabama Area since the 70's and fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. I have many published fishing articles world wide in magazines, newspapers and on-line magazines. I offer the most comprehensive information for Lake Guntersville, fishing tips, reports, and featured articles. I challenge you to utilize my Professional Guide Service and compare the knowledge, friendliness and good time on the water to anyone. Captain Mike Gerry can be reached at his website for Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service at www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com or by phone at (256) 759-2270. Email bassguide@comcast.net
