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......

 

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I can do that, Mike. It will be a few days - I use the internet at work, in short doses.

[Craig Stockton]

You are correct that distance casting can be a prob. I have long light rods that allow me to cast a fair distance on light line. The spool size can help on the reel. I use 7.5' or 8' rods for floats, and even a 9.5' rod.  The large spool allows line to come off very easy as well as as soft line. 

 

[Chris Roberts]

This has been a good read so far :)

[dick tabbert]

Great stuff Jeffrey

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Thanks Dick....great discussion forums come from all the member's inputs.....Like anything else I've posted, if it helps one angler catch a fish then it will have been worth the time to put it together.......More to follow soon....

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Just a few more baits from Northland and my 2013 box will be ready for full engagement....Fresh stocks of proven Gronaw Grass Shrimp and new models to test..... along with nearly 500 beadheads and Silent Stingers from Tooty refined throughout this winter.......first a Flier and Crappie spawn and I will be in Sunfish heaven.......Still my favorite way to take big gills under a float on jigs fishing with one of my telescopic poles.....Can't wait to extend the Bluegill Classroom out in the boat with my grandkids this season.....Owen and Cody are very excited and thats just music to an angler's heart!

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

Sounds like you are ready and waiting to go Jeffrey. I can't think of any new patterns to send you now so guess you'll have to go with what ya got . ...... You may be ok though unless you start lending jigs to OLD AL THE WOODMAN !!!!!!!!!!!! Or me for that matter !

[carl hendrix]

jeff; with all the baits you have now; arent you afraid of sinking your boat!!

[dick tabbert]

Carl I think Jeffrey installed a couple out riggers on his boat for more floatation and stabilization for all that excess weight.

[Billy Thompson]

What lb. test line do you use?

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

10 lb. on my spin casting reels and 12-16 on my telescopic poles......I fish tannic water in heavy cover.......

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Looking forward to splashing some jigs......

Jigs help to bring out the larger fish in my opinion....

It's time to get some Curly Tailed Jigs. Grass Shrimp and other soft plastics to get the Bluegill Party started...........