wild guide
DO YOU REALLY KNOW
HOW TO JIG?
by Patrick Campeau
“
I am always amazed when I
meet people who tell me they
are not able to catch walleye or
any other species with jigs. Yet
this super productive method
has been explained over and
over by journalists in recent
years. On the other hand,
as with all fishing methods,
there are always small tricks
that may seem trivial to some,
which make the success of
other fishermen. Let’s go step
by step. I suggest you read them
all, because if you skip one
assuming you already know
it, you may jump over your
problems.
THE FISHING ROD This should measure
from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet and be of
medium-heavy to heavy action. You will
also want to choose a very sensitive rod in
order to detect the most subtle of the bites.
People who think they can jig effectively
with a softer rod are mistaken. When you
use too soft of a rod, there are three actions;
First, when you set the hook, the soft rod
will tend to rise slightly upwards. Secondly,
it will parabolically rise until it reaches its
maximum arc or point of tension. Then it
will gradually set the hook in your fish as the
tip slowly catches up and the rod resumes
its original position. So three times more
opportunity to lose your fish. The heavier
rod, when set, obeys instantly, and allowing
better hook sets and, ultimately, more
fish caught. The Quantum EQLS592MH
Equalizer is ideal for this type of fishing.
11 Wild Guide
. Summer 2017
THE REEL I will likely surprise some
people here by saying that, for this kind of
fishing, the reel is the least important piece
of equipment. Though as a rule it should
be small in size, not to contain more line
than necessary and to stay light and easy to
handle. Reels that have a gear ratio of 5:2:1
and higher are excellent.
THE LINE The more subtle your
presentation, the more successful you will
be. Do not use monofilament greater than
8 lbs test, as the fish will be more likely to
detect it. The Ultragreen monofilament or
the Clear is ideal for this type of fishing.
However, braided lines in 10 lbs test are
specially designed for jig fishing and will
work here as well.
SWIVELS I do not recommend the use of
swivels as they adversely affect the action
of your jig, and fish can easily detect them.