Jig Fishing Under A Float.....Things to Consider and Other Recommendations

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Here's just a couple jigs I like to fish. Some micro and some regular sizes.

Just one of my Panfish Boxes.....Various jigs, floats and weights.

I've had several inquiries in recent weeks about fishing jigs under a float so I thought I would post a discussion with my suggestions and then others could add their questions and/or suggestions as they feel necessary.

I've been fishing jigs under a FIXED float for many years and it has become one of my favorite techniques to pursue Gills. Just like any and all fishing it takes calculated decisions to generate strikes and optimize the strikes that you get. The three most important factors in my decisions regarding jig fishing are as follows:

1. Water TEMPERATURE: This will dictate the size of the jig I select along with the float and weight. The colder the water gets the smaller I go. The natural tendency of the fish in these conditions will be to softly approach a bait, this would often remain undetected by larger gear. In ideal water temperatures above 62 degrees I go all the way to a 1/32 ounce jig with up to a 2" soft plastic. This approach is proven and in no way is to large for Bluegill fishing. Each angler will have his/her favorite and they should follow their instincts. But for my time and money, bigger gills will take the larger presentations more readily and hopefully cutting down your battles with the "tird" tappers......I just want folks to leave this discussion ready to try some things that they may not have before or may not have considered......

2. Water DEPTH: If the fish are shallow, how can I get my bait to them with the least amount of disruption from the bait entering the water. Smaller gear would create less disturbance entering the water but perhaps you can throw past the strike zone and retrieve your bait to the zone. Perhaps a telescopic pole would be better to just lower the bait into the zone without the accompanied splash and commotion. Again, deeper fish will be impacted less than fish in three feet of water or less. This is a very important consideration that is often overlooked. My belief is that in areas holding catchable fish, an angler can improve quality and numbers with this approach.

3. Water CLARITY: I for one use heavier line with zero negative impact because my waters are dark with very limited visibility. Many anglers will prefer smaller line and I totally understand and would follow the same advice given similar environments. Fish you can see are often easier to spook from surrounding movement. The dark waters provide me an advantage but I still fail very conservative.....If the winds are low, can I remove or down size my weight or float and still catch fish. All things to consider when heading out for gills with your favorite jig.

I will go into more detail in the weeks ahead but feel free to ask any questions you may have. I will discuss weight placement and tipping recommendations in the next couple posts. Good luck and please ask if you have any questions, whether general or specific....Maybe all it will be for you is a subtle change to increase your quality or numbers. I'm not the only successful jig angler on Bigbluegill and I know collectively, we probably have the answer to just about any question you may have......

 

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

It has been another great year for jig fishing on the Albemarle.........in the coming weeks I will document a few things that contributed to my sustained success............

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Jigs under a float continue to be my dominant approach.....it's the fall crappie bite on the tidal rivers of Northeast North Carolina providing excitement.....

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Still my most productive technique...........

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Still producing quality and numbers on the Albemarle.........a simple method that will produce on shallow fish when most ofter techniques have slowed down..........over 28,000 views is crazy!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Still knocking em dead Jeff!
Whatcha tipping with these days!

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

This is still the method of choice for my fishing year round on the Albemarle......the variables of the season are discussed here......inexpensive way to master panfish 

[John Sheehan]

Gonna have to stay here awhile and read writeup and comments !Looks like a great contribution ! Thanks Jeff!

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Hey John thanks......I received alot of questions about this method back in the first couple years after I joined......I decided to try and share my techniques and I got a bunch of great feedback along the way.....I have neglected it in recent years but with over 30,000 views I feel like it was definitely worth it..........

[Eric Pierce]

Been away from BBG for a bit, and evidently missed this when I was active. Thank you Jeffrey for starting this, as well as everyone else who has contributed along the way. Has been a great read with a wealth of information. When I use a float, it's mostly the Comal type. The lake I've been fishing, when I can get away, has very limited access, primarily an old one-lane bridge. Only some rocks along the embankment, and a few well placed trees along the bridge (Christmas tree's), and the bridge pilons of coarse. Vertical jigging, and casting under the bridge catches the majority of fish.

On breezy day's I have used a float and kind of tight-line floated it under the bridge to target fish otherwise unreachable. Only problem with this method is you can't see when the float goes under and have to really pay attention to your line. I am working on getting an older 14' V-bottom aluminum boat ready for the water. I have a used 40# thrust electric trolling motor, and an 1962 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp for it. Need to get it finished so I can hit better spots where I can use it. The bridge lake belongs to the city who refuses to let ANY boats, tubes, or kayaks on it...

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Thanks for your contribution,  and I was just responding to many requests for details on my preferred methods.  I encouraged everyone to pitch in and share what works for them in an effort to represent the most possibilities.I wish you well with your boat search and hope you share your results with us all, Jeff

[Kelly Peterson]

Here is my son with a big redear, mind you he is a big guy, 6'1" and over 300# so two hands shows off this 11" fish. This is one of our favorite ways of fishing heavy lily pads. 1/32-1/24 ounce jigs und a float just heavy enough to keep it afloat. We use long poles from 8-12 foot and just drop in holes between pads. We motor into pads then move around with a pole.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Very nice Kelly, thanks for the contribution