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]

Well Allen you make some great jigs my friend and I can't imagine them not working for you up there.........good luck in Michigan!

[jim cosgrove]

lots of clear water here too allan.a tung bead on a 60 degree jig hook makes a great little fly and goes thru timber and weeds pretty well.i still do great on poppers spiders predators etc.gotta keep in the shade over laydowns and deep weeds.your flies have to be more subdued in color with light tippets.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Good advice Jim......thanks for sharing!

[dick tabbert]

I love to fish clear water Allen and do fish Michigan mostly all the time but now they went way up on there out of state license it sorta hurts. A couple things I always try to do and I do catch a good number of fish but there are still bad and good days..Remember to try and come in with the sun behind your back and long cast and quiet. You'll be amaze at the numbers you will catch. I do fish lots of  Michigan clear water lakes have since I was 4 or 5 fishing off the dock with hot dogs its all fun..

[jim cosgrove]

have to agree with you on the license fees in MI dick.turned down some invites to fish SW mi this past summer because of the new fees.

[Slip Sinker]

.... its 10.00/day for resident / non resident... i dont think thats too bad

http://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/license-items-fees/

[jim cosgrove]

its the 68 dollar non resident fee that is a deal breaker for me.seems like a bonehead move in a state that promotes tourism and SW michigan especially .i can be pretty far downstate or fish indiana or wisconsin.

[dick tabbert]

Usually when a state goes up in non resident its 10 or 15 bucks Michigan doubles ouch.

[jim cosgrove]

our nonres is 31.50.which is double the resident.i would not mind it being more but our fees go into the general fund which is a travesty.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Put this up about three years ago to answer a box full of questions I had from personal messages........now over 16,000 views is crazy to me! It remains my favorite technique for panfish and I use it over 95% of the time.........Everything I caught this weekend started with a jig under a float .........yes I tipped with live crickets and baby crawfish but I still had solid results and I believe the color and jig motion make a difference...........

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Some of the latest creations from the Morgan Collection........these will be panfish killers for sure.........

[Allen Morgan]

Thank you Jeff!