Bass Fishing HomeBass Fishing Forums

Go Back   BassFishin.Com Forums > Serious Conversation Only > Techniques, Strategy & Presentations

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 04-08-12, 12:45 AM   #1
keithdog
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
keithdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 8,308
Default Jig weight choice. Whats yours?

Ok, I realize the need for different weights of jigs. Slow fall presentation, fast fall presentation, shallow/deep pressentation. But overall, what would be your weight of choice most of the time and why? The last couple years, jigs have started to really click with me, but I'm still learning the fine points. I remember Zooker saying he prefered 1/4 oz. jigs mostly because he prefered the slower fall rate and easieer control of the jig. At a recent seminar I attended, jigs were briefly discussed and heavy 3/4 - 1 oz. jigs were talked about for their fast fall rate causing reaction bites. From what I've seen in articles over the years, 1/2 oz jigs tend to be the weight used most often on average. Myself, I find the 3/8 oz jigs my favorite overall and 1/2 to 3/4 oz for deeper weedlines. The 1/4 oz size has it's place too, especially as a swim jig. So for you jig fisherman, what is your overall prefered weight jig, the one you wouldn't be without?
__________________
Just one more cast, and then some!
keithdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 11:08 AM   #2
carolina-rig-01
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
carolina-rig-01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Webb City, MO
Posts: 6,387
Default

For football jigs I use 1/2oz jigs the most. They seem to be the perfect balance of being heavy enough to make a long cast and maintain bottom contact without being too heavy. I do use a lot of 3/4oz jigs in deeper water or heavy winds but if I am able to get by with a 1/2oz that's what I use.

For finesee jigs I mostly use 5/16oz. I am able to cast them a long ways and they are the perfect weight for me to use in shallow or deep water when I want a finesse presentation.

For swim jigs I use a lot of 3/8oz. I will go as light as a 1/4oz if I need to, but I like how a 3/8oz swim jig works well in a lot of situations.
__________________
You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.
carolina-rig-01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 03:58 PM   #3
T7HeadTurner
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
T7HeadTurner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: CA, Delta
Posts: 110
Default

I like a 1/2 for the most part. I like to fish a jig on the bottom.
__________________
"Turnin' Frogs Into Toads"
T7HeadTurner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 04:13 PM   #4
Jrob78
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Jrob78's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,671
Default

I would have to say that I fish a 3/8oz jig more than any other. 1/2oz would be a close second. I mostly fish shallow water and a 3/8 usually does what I need it to. I do always have 1/2oz jigs on hand though.

For swimjigs, I fish a 1/4oz the most. If it's windy or I want to fish it slow, relating to the bottom, I will go up to a 3/8oz.
__________________
There are 3 kinds of people in the world…those who can count and those who can’t. HRN4L
Jrob78 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 05:13 PM   #5
Bassboss
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
Bassboss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Shawano, WI
Posts: 7,761
Default

1/4 oz. I really like the slower fall, and I think I've got better feel as appose to a heavier jig casting around weeds.

And I can't find enough jigs that come in that size, so I find my self having to settle for 3/8oz ones.

I really need to start tying my own. lol
__________________
If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.
Bassboss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 05:15 PM   #6
Tavery5
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Tavery5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 2,427
Default

As your question asked, most of the time I use a 3/8 -1/2 oz football head, and 5/16 -3/8 oz swimjig.
__________________
They call me Ishmael
Tavery5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 07:53 PM   #7
3dkicker
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
3dkicker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Spotsylvania, VA
Posts: 4,483
Default

Typically I use 3/8 or 1/2 but I do carry other sizes and Bitsy Bugs if I'm looking for a smaller bait with a slow fall.
__________________
Smitty
www.smittystubes.com
3dkicker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-12, 09:46 PM   #8
skeeter1804
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Edgerton KS
Posts: 321
Default

If I could only carry one it would be a 3/8 ounce. I can fish it shallow to fairly deep so if I had only one option that would be it.
skeeter1804 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-12, 12:50 AM   #9
kiddelicious
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 21
Default

I would have to agree that a good all around jig size is 3/8. You can most everything with it .
kiddelicious is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-12, 08:49 AM   #10
joedog
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: JANESVILLE,WI. 53545
Posts: 3,415
Default

I use 1/4 first, 3/8 next. I'm currently shorebusting so I'm not going deep or punching and the quarter oz. allows good feel and an ability to kind of slide or role over obstructions with less snags. I do go smaller or larger if the tool is needed though.
__________________
"Fishing isn't life or death... it's more important than that."
joedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-12, 02:34 PM   #11
merc1997
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 204
Default

if i were to be limited to a single weight, it would probably be a 1/4 oz. the reason for this is that when you need more weight for more speed, this can be achieved by simply adding a slip sinker to your line ahead of the jig. also, another advantage in doing this is that you still have a bait with a smaller profile. another advantage is when you are using say 1/2 oz. with your 1/4 jig, the sinker slides up the line just as it does with a t-rig. therefore instead of the bass having a full 3/4 oz of weight to shake loose, there is just a 1/4 oz. you will find that you will land a lot more of your fish.

bo
merc1997 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-12, 11:10 AM   #12
Dogmatic
BassFishin.Com Veteran Member
 
Dogmatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 714
Default

After reading this post four days ago, I wondered what my preferred weight was, because I think it is always situational dependant, but after looking, it's obvious I prefer 1/2 oz., for swim jigs too, with some 3/4 oz. football, and specialty jigs thrown in. I think, as for preferring a smaller profile, I really prefer the larger profile.
Dogmatic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-12, 01:44 PM   #13
BigBassin144
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
BigBassin144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Posts: 9,463
Send a message via AIM to BigBassin144
Default

3/8oz is my go to when fishing from the boat and I adjust it from there as needed. From the shore, it's usually a 1/4oz, and I'll move up to a 3/8oz if needed.

BB
__________________
As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!
BigBassin144 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-12, 06:58 AM   #14
keithdog
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
keithdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 8,308
Default

It sounds like 3/8 oz is the overall prefered size with a lot of 1/4 oz jigs also being thrown. I know it's all relative depending on many variables. The 1/2 oz is also popular. One thing that drives me nuts when looking at jigs is hook size. I fish for largemouth almost exclusivly as there is not many smallies in my lakes. I've only caught 2 smallies in total here. I like a good size hook with my jigs. The 5/0 is my prefered hook size with a 4/0 the minimum. But jig makers often use smaller hooks for smaller jigs. Just because I drop to a 1/4 oz jig, that does not mean I want to take a drop in hook size! Finding 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz jigs with 5/0 hooks is proving to be a task.
__________________
Just one more cast, and then some!
keithdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-12, 07:40 AM   #15
joedog
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: JANESVILLE,WI. 53545
Posts: 3,415
Default

Well said on the hook challenge Kieth.
The other challenge is hook gap, every one thinks smaller weight, shorter hook smaller gap and 1/4 ozers alot of times come with weaker or thinner hooks too.
__________________
"Fishing isn't life or death... it's more important than that."
joedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-12, 08:43 AM   #16
Jesse James
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cimarron, KS
Posts: 40
Default

I've been preferring a 1/2 oz. for a flipping jig. I like the weight so I can feel the jig as much as possible. Plus, it's usually windy in KS, so the 1/2 helps there too. However, I don't currently have a very nice rod that I flip with. It's not too sensitive, and a little short for my taste. I'm having a buddy of mine make me a really nice light, sensitive, 7' flipping rod, so once I have that, I bet I'll like fishing lighter jigs a lot more as I'll have much better feel.
Jesse James is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-12, 06:06 PM   #17
keithdog
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
keithdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 8,308
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesse James View Post
I'm having a buddy of mine make me a really nice light, sensitive, 7' flipping rod, so once I have that, I bet I'll like fishing lighter jigs a lot more as I'll have much better feel.
When you get that rod made post a few pics of it so we can check it out!
__________________
Just one more cast, and then some!
keithdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-12, 08:43 PM   #18
Raul
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,030
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by keithdog View Post
Finding 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz jigs with 5/0 hooks is proving to be a task.
Pour your own.

I´m not going to say I invented the shakey head, all I´m going to say is that I really like the jighead rig for soft plastics, problem was that at that time most lightweight jigheads ( ex.- 1/16 oz ) were only available with teeny tiny wee sized hooks and the ones with larger hooks were too heavy; also the jighead rig presented the problem of that exposed hook and fishing with an exposed hook in my neck of the woods is synonimous with hanging up in an eyeblink, how to solve also the hanging up in an eyeblink problem ? well a T-rig was perfect, but how can you rig a weedless bait with a teeny tiny wee size hook ? so that got me thinking ..... If only I could find a jighead with a larger ( 3,4,5/0 hook ) .....so after looking and not finding what I wanted I thought: " so there are jighead molds, there are larger hooks for jigheads what if I ?.... I purchased a jighead mold, a melting pot and larger hooks, did some doctoring to the mold and then I got what I wanted, a jighead as light as I want with a hook as large as I can fit in the mold. Shure they aren´t the best looking but they work, they´ve worked for over two decades

Nowdays you don´t have to look for, you can do them yourself or you can have them made by a custom builder ( like Siebert Outdoors ), the weight you want with the hook size you want, all you have to do is get the components ( mold, lead, hooks, skirts, chip resistant paint, melting pot ) or contact the custom builder.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Last edited by Raul; 04-13-12 at 08:48 PM.
Raul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-12, 09:01 AM   #19
Jesse James
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cimarron, KS
Posts: 40
Default

Will do keithdog.
Jesse James is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-12, 03:36 PM   #20
bassinbob
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
bassinbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Pitts. Pa.
Posts: 3,801
Default

All around I like 1/2 oz. I have trouble feeling anything lighter unless there is a heavier plastic on it. Flipping 3/4 and up.
__________________
you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands
bassinbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-12, 06:48 AM   #21
rrw4258
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
rrw4258's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bellevue, Ohio
Posts: 2,338
Default

I like a 3/8 the most if I am throwing a football jig. If fishing a little deeper I go to a 3/4 or if fishing shallow i go with a 1/4, but most of the time it is a 3/8 tied on my rod. For swim jigs I like 1/4 ounce the best, but will go to a 3/8 if I am over a deeper weedbed, or I want a faster presentation.

Ryan
__________________
Never Give Up!
rrw4258 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-12, 05:40 PM   #22
arfish
BassFishin.Com Member
 
arfish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 46
Default

I use 3/16 and 5/16 oz a lot, but I mostly fish a finesse jig for smallies. I also like a 1/4 oz swim jig. There is a guy in my hometown that makes a darn fine finesse jig, I haven't been able to find a better one, and Northstar makes some good 1/4 oz jigs too. I think they might make some with 5/0 hooks, pretty sure they would if you ask, but their store is currently closed.

Those finesse jigs also work pretty good for some of the shallow timber lakes I like to fish too. Maybe a 3/8 oz would be better, but I just go with what I have confidence in. And I'll also mention I get some big hits swimming a finesse jig too, with a paca chunk trailer.
__________________
-Nah, its just a limb bream.

Last edited by arfish; 04-18-12 at 06:42 PM.
arfish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-12, 11:35 PM   #23
keithdog
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
keithdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: IN
Posts: 8,308
Default

Thanks for the info arfish.
__________________
Just one more cast, and then some!
keithdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-12, 12:54 PM   #24
3dkicker
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
3dkicker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Spotsylvania, VA
Posts: 4,483
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by keithdog View Post
Finding 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz jigs with 5/0 hooks is proving to be a task.
Check out Dave's Tournament Tackle......he carries all types of head and hook combo's!!!!!
__________________
Smitty
www.smittystubes.com
3dkicker is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Disclosure / Disclaimer
Before acting on the content posted, you should know that BassFishin.Com may benefit financially and otherwise from content, advertising, links or otherwise from anything you click on, read, or look at on our website. Click here to read our Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer.


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:46 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2013 BassFishin.Com LLC