When To Use Light Weight Jigs

When it comes to jig fishing, the prevailing logic is that heavier is better. Heavier jigs fall faster, come through cover better, and generate reaction strikes by offering a big, bulky profile. They’re also easier to cast and allow anglers to fish in deeper water. Does that mean there’s no place in an angler’s arsenal for lighter jigs? Absolutely not.There are still plenty of times when a lightweight jig is not only going get bit, but when it may actually be a better presentation than anything else. Here they are:

When It’s Slick Calm

If the lake’s glass, chances are the bass are going to be on high alert, which is an excellent time to throw a lightweight jig. Wind breaks the surface up and provides all species of fish a sense of security from predators and anglers. Without that security blanket, it can be hard to get bit doing pretty much anything. Because they fall really slowly, lightweight jigs present a much more natural profile than heavier models, which can be just enough to draw strikes when there’s no wind.

When The Fish Are Pressured

If you frequent one of the South’s mega-reservoirs or live in an urban area, chances are the bass you’re fishing for see a steady dose of jigs, spinnerbaits, and plastics each and every day. Say you’re a bass living on a laydown that has been constantly bombarded with heavy ½ and ¾ ounce jigs. All of a sudden a natural looking jig pops into view and just subtly flutters down into your vision, almost hanging there suspended – You’re gonna at least give it a second look. Light jigs give bass a much different look, which can be effective when they’ve seen everything else.

When They Won’t Eat Anything Else

When you’re pretty sure the spot you’re fishing has bass on it, but you can’t get bites with anything else, try a super lightweight jig. Just like with pressured bass, lightening up your jigs can be the cure for lockjaw induced by any other number of reasons. Cold fronts, recent rains, and even that post-spawn funk can all cause bass to quit biting. A slow falling jig may be just the ticket.