Micro Ultra-lite/Vert Jigging /Laydowns/Super lines/Lil-Minnow

[Slip Sinker]

Hey folks I just wanted to document a technique I want to share for you all. i know vertically fishing laydowns or weed clumps is not a new technique ... i didn t invent it but i have put together a winning combination of equipment to get 'er done effectively.

Recently I did a search for a jig tail like a Berkley Power Minnow (which only comes in 2” as shortest model) to experiment with. On the water if I noticed the bite was extremely lite or small I would trim the Power Minnow 3/8 to a half an inch off the minnow to get to that size that I felt I needed.

So I found this great source on EBAY for this tiny minnow tail without a name… ( I call LIL Minnow) that you can buy in bulk 100/$5.99! Out of the zip lock bag It proved durable on the jig head catching performance tagging up to 20-30 fish per tail . Its proving just as durable as the 2” Berkley Power Minnow.

After tagging many fish long-casting recently with this bait I tried vertically jigging it over the side of the kayak especially along lay downs and under matted slop weeds. It’s better yet when you can find them both together… matted weeds over the laydowns. It just so happens the reservoirs around the home base are full of laydowns. I’m a lucky man!!  I’ve also had success dropping the jig over the side vertically jigging the weed openings or holes in weed beds or the actual deep or shallow weed edges. Deadly, deadly and deadly!

The Rod-- 4-0’ to 5-6’ short UL rods that are fast in action… faster action is more sensitive in nature for detecting the bite.

There is also a distinct ratio relationship between the lite-ness of the bite and the size of the fishes. The lighter the bite typically means larger the fish.  

I like to hold the rod ice-fishing style… when jigging for lengthy periods of time the action takes a toll on the old wrist. Very comfortable and easy to get used to.

The Line— to me line selection is very important because of the simple fact no one type of line is perfect for every situation in fishing… it’s that simple. Mono or any non-super extruded line stretches… since you will be fishing close to weed clumps and chances are a good fish will wrap around the weeds or pads causing lost fish. It’s that simple and straight forward. Fish the line that best suits an application. Braid slices thru weeds… known fact and is also more durable in knot strength and abrasion resistance. I like the 4# Braid or 6# Nano.

The Bait— now the bait is always open for debates or discussions. I am highlighting this little minnow for all its qualities and it is the best suited for catch all-species of fish. There isn’t a fish in my lake that will turn down a tiny minnow in their faces but the crappie will literally snub their noses at a worm. So it is a least common denominator bait. Gulp Minnows came in a close second but they don’t provide the action this little tail has on a 1/80 – 1/64 oz jig.

The durability of this bait is amazing… ive tagged many fish with out changing the tails like some soft plastics that just last a fish or so. Glue the baits on the jigs and you have all-day fishability with one body.

The Vessel— ive had my best luck fishing out of the kayak fishing over the structures but have produced positive results out of the jon boat. Of course kayak is optimum.

The Basic Principle and technique— heavy matting of weeds would accumulate late summer here on my lakes and would cover my weed edges and laydowns… I would approach the spots stealth fully with the paddle and work a clearing or hole in the mat to fish from. Drop the jig down and twitch.

Now it doesn’t have to be with water surfaces matted or slopped up… ive slipped this thing down thru underwater log jams and rock and concrete piles. The equipment is tuned to provide the action.

 

This has recently been very productive for me… If you have an opportunity give it a try.

Good Fishing Everyone!!

[John Sheehan]

Great report slip and congratulations on your success.How deep were you vertically Jigging ? Now that i 'm watching the video it looks like very shallow !

 Also, what music is that?

[Slip Sinker]

ty John... the laydown goes to about 6 FOW i caught the Y.perch in about 2-3...

Allman Brothers Midnight Rider....kareoke

[John Sheehan]

I didn't recognize ,'Midnight Rider ' ! What is wrong with me!!!

The vertical Jigging I've been doing a little of has been in the 10-20' zone.

[Slip Sinker]

i know ...right!... lol

its a great way to fish isnt it?

we have weed beds and pad fields that collect alot of floating weeds during their weed control harvesting... depending on wind etc these mats will get 4-6" thick.... id fish a laydown thoroughly and catch a bunch of fish and then typically move on. one day i thought why not get right inside there and drop some jigs right thru the branches... wow... an amazing amount of fish responded. all this time i thought they would spook if i got right on top of them. i was surprised!

[Slip Sinker]

are you deep jigging with your sonar?...

its nice when ya get to see that fish come up and grab that bait isnt it!?

[John Sheehan]

No my sonar is not working right now , I'll have to take another look at it . Yes its very cool when you see the fish on the screen rising and taking your lure,that's how I ice fish .I 've been fishing a small 74 acre lake and fishing areas I've caught fish in the past these months. I use a search bait crank bait or spinner trolling or casting and follow up with jigging a spoon if I get a bump .I'm not catching lots of fish but I'm getting some .I've noticed my catches are outside of shoreline  fallen trees and cat tails.