The Best Jigs for Largemouth Bass Fishing

Jigs are versatile fishing lures consisting of a weighted head usually made of lead molded around a hook. They are typically adorned with a skirt made of rubber or silicone strands to mimic the appearance of prey. Anglers use jigs for bass fishing by casting them into targeted areas such as weed beds, submerged structures, or along drop-offs, then employing a variety of retrieval techniques, including hopping, dragging, or swimming the jig back to imitate natural prey movement and entice bass into striking. Jigs are effective year-round and excel in enticing both aggressive and finicky bass, making them a staple in many anglers’ tackle boxes.

*Our Top Choices*

What we look for in quality jigs…

1. Hook Quality: We look for jigs with sharp, strong hooks that are less prone to bending or breaking, ensuring reliable hooksets and secure catches, especially when targeting larger bass.
2. Skirt Material and Design: We opt for jigs with skirts made from high-quality silicone or rubber strands that provide lifelike movement underwater and withstand repeated use without easily deteriorating or tangling.
3. Head Design and Weight: We choose jigs with well-designed heads that offer optimal balance and stability during retrieval, and select appropriate weights to match the depth and speed of the water you’ll be fishing in.
4. Color and Finish: We consider selecting jigs in colors and finishes that closely resemble the predominant prey species in the bass’s environment, ensuring a natural presentation that increases the lure’s effectiveness in enticing strikes from largemouth bass.

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How to fish jigs…

1. Select the Right Jig: Choose a jig that matches the prevailing conditions, such as water depth, clarity, and bottom structure. Opt for a jig with an appropriate weight and color pattern to mimic the local forage.
2. Cast to Targeted Areas: Cast the jig to specific bass-holding spots such as weed edges, submerged brush piles, rocky structures, or drop-offs. Aim for areas where bass are likely to be lurking, waiting to ambush prey.
3. Work the Jig: After the jig hits the water, allow it to sink to the desired depth. Once it reaches the bottom, use a combination of hops, drags, and pauses to mimic the movement of natural prey. Experiment with different retrieval techniques to find what triggers the most strikes. You may also swim the jig through the waters varying the depths.
4. Pay Attention to Strikes: Largemouth bass often strike jigs on the fall or during pauses, so be alert for any subtle taps or changes in line tension. When you feel a bite, promptly set the hook with a firm, sweeping motion to drive it home.
5. Retrieve and Repeat: After each cast, retrieve the jig back to the boat or shore with a steady, methodical rhythm. If you don’t get a bite, vary your retrieve speed or try targeting different areas until you locate actively feeding bass.

When to fish jigs…

1. Low Light Conditions: Dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime times to fish jigs as bass are more active and less wary during these periods.
2. Cooler Water Temperatures: In spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler, bass tend to hold in deeper water and may be more receptive to jig presentations.
3. Heavy Cover: Jigs excel in heavy cover such as thick vegetation, brush piles, and submerged trees where bass often seek shelter and ambush prey.
4. Post-Frontal Conditions: Following a cold front when bass may be less active, jigs can be effective as they allow for a slow, methodical presentation that appeals to sluggish fish.
5. Natural Prey Abundance: Use jigs when baitfish and other prey species are abundant in the water, as bass are more likely to key in on these familiar food sources.

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