How to fish micro jigs

[Dwayne Braden]

Good morning/afternoon Big Bluegill family,

 I have been fishing for Bluegill since I was five (42 now) but have always used some type of worm or cricket. I have seen countless pictures of custom micro jigs on Big Bluegill, along with success stories from members. Since I have never used micro jigs and a true novice at fishing mini jigs (rarely use them), any advice on standard setup and presentation would be much appreciated. I would like to use 6 or 8 pound test if possible as I have a bad knee and cannot run down the banks quickly to finesse a large Redear up with 2-4 pound test.

Also, can anyone provide tactics for presenting these close to the bottom, where big Redear like to lurk? Thanks in advance

[Jim Gronaw]

I fish micros 3 to 6 ft deep during 75% of the year in the shallow fertile lakes and ponds in my region. I almost always suspend them with a small sensitive bobber and often let the wind push them over pre-spawn areas that have been warmed by south or westerly winds that push warmer surface water up against the banks early in the spring.

You could try a slip-float tactic for getting micros deeper for the red ears. Would likely need additional split shot weights 12 to 16 inches above the jig to help it pull the 6 lb test mono through the float.

I have had success on bedding fish that were shallow by casting micros with 2 pound line and falling slow. With 6 or 8 pound line you would almost have to utilize a bobber of some sort to act as a casting weight to reach the fish, then have the micro suspended at the proper depth.

hope this helps

[Dwayne Braden]

Thanks Nathan and Jim. I think I will try a slip float presentation. Just ordered some 15 lb Power Pro braid (4 lb dia.), as "Slip Sinker" recommended. Hopefully it will get here by this weekend!

[Slip Sinker]

seeing that you do most of your fishing from the bank.... rocket bobbers are perfect for that scenario. very long casts and sensitive. fixed or slip floated. i love em.

http://crappiefishingusa.com/id139.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtZOYURxrkY

[Badgerloader]

I counter weight my long poles with lead. I put the lead on the butt of the pole. It certainly reduces wrist fatigue.

[Slip Sinker]

Dwayne... just remember your not going to cover all your bases with just one setup or presentation. Many have been offered with different conditions in mind from deep water presentations to stealth mode with telescopic poles and ultra light bobber fishing the shallows.

[Dwayne Braden]

Thanks everyone for all the great tactics and suggestions. I recently ordered some micro jigs and power pro line from BassPro and already own a few 3-piece 15ft natural cane poles and and some rocket bobbers. Gonna try these tips over the next few weekends and report on my success. Thanks again!