Jig Fishing for Spring Time Bass
By Jason Waldschmidt

As the water warms on the lakes and rivers of the United States many anglers find themselves very excited for the new fishing season to begin. However, spring time baffles many fisherman across the nation. For guaranteed success one has to look no further than the jig. Many anglers have been using this combination for many years but it still seams to produce huge numbers of fish. The following tips will help you produce even more fish on a spring time jig bite.

First, location plays a major role in spring time bassin'. Once water temps reach the middle fifties bass migrate from there deep water haunts to place themselves in position to feed and then on to the spawn. This is when the time is right for locating and catching bass on jigs. Points play a major role for spring time bassin' These unique pieces of structure offer the bass a place to move from deep water into very shallow water. Any added cover like a brush pile or row of stumps is an added bonus. Under these circumstance first pitch the jig in the deeper water along the cover. If this does not create a bite try moving up into shallow water. Make sure you make repeated cast along all cover, for cold water bass can sometimes be non-aggressive. More than likely bass will be somewhere along the point, so be patient and work the jig slow. Coves also offer a great location to intercept spring time bass. If the bass are not on the points try moving back into the coves and pockets off the main river or lake. While in these places look to make a presentation to every piece of cover. If the bass are not in either portion of the lake there is one secret spot left for those of you who want to make a trip worth while. Bridge rip rap or any other rip rap banks can be dynamite for spring time bass on jigs. Rocks tend to warm faster than other places which in turn warms the water and activates the bait fish. While on this structure pitch to every little crevice that is in the rip rap. Start shallow and work the bait down to about ten feet. If there are bass around you will defiantly know within that water column. If you take location into consideration during spring jig fishing I know you will catch more fish.

Along with location the actual presentation can make the difference in a few bites and many bites. During my winter seminar schedule my favorite talk is given on the procedure of fishing a jig. When I start fishing a jig I do so in quick hops off the bottom. Try and imagine a craw in distress, they back up real fast then sit motionless on the bottom. Using the quick hop imitates this very well. If the bass are not aggressive I work the jig very slow with a drag and pause movement. Also, sometimes I will shake the bait a bit to make the claws move. Using these techniques will help you get more bites while out on the water.

In todays scheme of bass fishing location and technique is important, but equipment can lead to success or failure. If you are going to fishing a jig I recommend a flippin' stick. This is a rod specially designed for fishing jigs. They allow one to get leverage on and boat a bass that bites in heavy cover. Line also plays an important role in fishing. While fishing a jig I use no less than 20lb. test Yo-zuri Hybrid and my set up consist of an Amercan Rodsmith Mag Strike Rod and Pflueger President reel. Jigs are very different these days, but there are a few things I look for. First, make sure the jig has a quality hook, skirt, and rattle. Also I like a jig that fishes very weedless. When fishing a jig make sure you add a trailer and a scent. For example a Gambler Flap Daddy Craw and Kick n' Bass scent. If you match your equipment for jig fishing I know it will help you on the water.

With spring approaching make sure you are ready for a fabulous spring of jig fishing for bass. Remember during this time there is not a more deadly style of fishing and it could lead to the catch of a lifetime. Remember all of the tips and try and use the on the water and if you do I will guaranteed you will catch more fish.

Jason Waldschmidt - Outdoor Writer/Seminar Speaker/Tournament Fisherman
Proudly Sponsored by Triton Boats, Kwik PFYT, Kick N Bass Scents, Netbait, Oakley Sunglasses, Pflueger Reels, Yo-zuri, American Rodsmiths & Riverview Marine in Spring Valley IL.
Contact Jason: wally75@maxwire.net