Lure Fishing Jigs

JIGGING

Cast the jig, release the bail arm and raise the rod up. Keep the line tight and wait until the jig hits the bottom. In windy weather, it can be quite difficult to notice the bottom contact, but you will definitely see it if you use a heavy jig head. A braided line will also help here. Sometimes fish bite while the jig is still sinking, so you should keep your eye on the line the whole time. When the lure reaches the bottom, lower the rod and reel in any slack line. Retain the feel for the jig all the time. Bring the rod up slowly and again watch how the jig behaves.

You should select the correct size sinker, depending on the current. If the sinker is too lightweight, it will not reach the bottom quickly enough, which makes fishing agonisingly slow. Conversely, if there is too much weight, the jig will not have enough time in ‘free’ water. This style is slightly different from normal jigging, but it has proven to be extremely efficient. You will usually get a bite as the jig sinks towards the bottom, but fish will even take it from the bottom sometimes.

TACKLE
The rod should definitely be a sturdy class 1 or UL pole measuring about 180 cm. When fishing at a depth, in particular, you need to get a good feel for the jig, which means that the rod must be sturdy. Zander bite cautiously, so your counterstrike must not come too late. Fishing with a slack rod is sheer agony. The reel should be a class 1 open-face spinning reel.

The line varies from a 0.22 mm monofilament to a braided 0.10 mm line. Both have their advantages. With a braided line, the feel for the fish is second to none due to its inelasticity. A tungsten leader is essential when jigging zander, in particular with a braided line, because it is like gossamer to a zander’s sharp teeth. Conversely, normal monofilament lines can withstand some abrasion

with many thanks to our friends at zanderland