A Guide To Football Jigs For Bass

Introduction

As a lifelong angler, I’ve tried my hand at countless types of fishing for different species. But when it comes to fishing for bass, there’s one technique that has stood out above the rest: using football jigs.

At first, I was skeptical. The jigs didn’t look like they had much action in the water and I wasn’t convinced they could produce the results I was looking for. But after doing some research and spending some time on the water with them, I soon realized the error of my ways. Football jigs are a secret weapon for bass fishing that more anglers need to know about.

So, in this article, I want to provide a comprehensive guide on football jigs for bass fishing. If you’re perplexed about what these jigs are and how they work, don’t worry – I was too. But trust me, once you get the hang of fishing with football jigs, you’ll never look back.

The Anatomy of Football Jigs

First off, let’s talk about what exactly a football jig is. Essentially, it’s a type of jig specifically designed to mimic the food sources of bass, such as crawfish and other bottom-dwelling creatures. The specific shape of a football jig head allows it to bump and bounce along the bottom in a way that closely resembles the natural movement of these prey items.

Football jigs consist of several key components, including the jig head, skirt, weedguard, hook, and trailer. Some football jigs also include rattles or other additional features to attract fish.

One important thing to note is that not all football jigs are created equal. There are various types of football jigs, each with their own pros and cons. For example, a light wire jig is better for finesse fishing in shallow water, while a heavy wire jig can handle deeper water and larger fish. It’s important to choose the right type of football jig based on the conditions you’ll be fishing in.

Selecting the Right Gear

Before you can effectively fish with football jigs, you need to make sure you have the right gear. I’ve found that using a medium-heavy or heavy rod with a fast action and a sensitive tip works well for football jig fishing. You’ll also need a reel with a fast gear ratio to keep up with a finicky bass that may be tempted to snatch the jig up and swim away.

When it comes to line, I personally prefer using braided line for football jig fishing. Braided line allows me to feel every little bump and nudge on the bottom, which is crucial for detecting when a bass is biting. But some anglers prefer using fluorocarbon or monofilament line – it really depends on your personal preference and the conditions you’re fishing in.

Techniques for Using Football Jigs

Once you have the right gear, it’s time to learn some effective techniques for fishing with football jigs. The most common technique is to cast the jig out and let it sink to the bottom, then slowly bounce and drag it along the bottom. This mimics the natural movements of crawfish and other prey items that bass love to eat.

Another technique is to hop the jig along the bottom, using a quick upward motion to make it jump and then letting it fall back down again. This can also be a great way to trigger a strike from a curious bass.

Regardless of the technique you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that football jig fishing is all about finesse. Unlike other types of fishing where you may be aggressively reeling in a lure or bait, with football jigs, you want to keep the movement slow and steady.

Choosing the Best Colors and Trailers

When it comes to selecting the best football jig for a particular fishing trip, choosing the right color and trailer can make all the difference. Different colors will work better in different water conditions and temperatures. For example, a brown or green jig may work well in murky water, while a blue or purple jig may be more effective in clear water.

The trailer you choose can also make a big impact on the success of your fishing trip. Different types of trailers, such as crawfish or creature baits, can appeal to different types of bass and mimic their natural prey. It’s important to experiment with different colors and trailers to see what works best in different conditions.

Weight and Hook Size Considerations

Another important factor to consider when fishing with football jigs is the weight and hook size of the jig. The weight of the jig will determine how quickly it sinks to the bottom and how easily it can be dragged along the bottom. Choosing the right weight will depend on the depth and speed of the water you’re fishing in.

The hook size is also an important consideration. You want a hook that is strong enough to handle the fight of a large bass, but not so large that it’s obvious and scares the fish away. Again, the right hook size will depend on the conditions you’re fishing in and the size of the bass you’re targeting.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Once you have the basics of football jig fishing down, there are some advanced techniques and strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. One technique is to target specific structures and cover where bass are likely to be hiding, such as docks, fallen trees, and weed beds.

You can also adjust your fishing strategy based on the current season. For example, in the spring, bass may be more active and willing to hit a faster-moving jig, while in the summer, they may be more sluggish and require a slower retrieve.

Finally, being able to effectively fish in both deep and shallow water can give you an advantage when using football jigs. In shallow water, you may want to use a lighter jig and a finesse approach, while in deeper water, you’ll need a heavier jig and a more aggressive approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, football jigs are a highly effective technique for bass fishing that more anglers need to know about. By understanding the anatomy of the jig, selecting the right gear, using effective techniques, choosing the right colors and trailers, and considering weight and hook size, you can increase your chances of catching more bass on your next fishing trip.

So, don’t be afraid to try out football jigs and experiment with different techniques and strategies. The burstiness of a sudden strike from a bass can leave you perplexed at first, but once you start catching them consistently, you’ll be bursting with excitement and satisfaction. Happy fishing!