Ask an experienced fisherman about the best way to catch a fish and you’ll hear a jig reference within the minute.  The challenge lies in finding the right jig, fishing rod and line.

What separates one jig from the next?  Size, shape, features and more.

Here’s how to pick the best jig for your fishing needs.

Size and Shape

Jigs tend to be half a dozen inches in size or less.  Check out the market and you’ll find some are a mere three to four inches while others push nine inches.

Jig size partially dictates in-water action.  Some waters contain predators on the prowl for long and/or skinny fish.  If you are in such waters, your jig should imitate the target prey.

In contrast, bait that is especially round will appeal to other fish.  What matters most is that your jig’s plastic matches the size of prey that predators seek.

As an example, if you want to catch three-foot stripers, this type of fish will pursue sizeable bait.  The fish’s logic in pursuing large bait, especially when water is cold, is that doing so minimizes energy expenditure.

Jig Action

The action of the jig, meaning its movement, also matters.  Though you can compensate for jigs that don’t move well using your skill as an angler, there’s only so much that you can make up for if the jig is poorly designed.

As an example, certain straight-tail jigs made of plastic require that the fisherman jig it properly to draw attention from fish looking for a wiggle.  Some twisters and paddle tail style jigs require minimal skill to catch fish.

In general, a paddle tail bait that is pliable will succeed as it is capable of swimming thought he water with ease.

The lone exception is vertical jigging.  In such an instance, the straight tail jig will likely produce better results than the paddler.

Jig Weight

The weight of the jig determines if it can reach the optimal depth.  The current at depth, current at surface, drift speed and wind also play important roles.

In general, a quarter-ounce jig will succeed when casting to shallows or shorelines with water between 3-5 feet deep.

Bait that weighs a half ounce will work when casting shorelines that have drops between 8 and 12 feet.  If you are fishing water with depth of 10 to 15 feet, you’ll need a jig that is a minimum of three-quarters of an ounce in weight.

A jig of an ounce or more will be necessary when vertical jigging in water that reaches 20 to 25 feet in depth.  However, if there is a strong bottom current along with a breeze, a lightweight jig won’t suffice.

Be aware of these factors when choosing your jig for the day.

Jig Color

The color of your jig is also important.  In general, jigs that are white, pink or chartreuse (meaning green or yellow) tend to yield successful hauls.  Add at least two of these optimal colors to your jig collection.

Ideally, you’ll have jigs of 5-10 or more colors when fishing.  This way, you can use a trial and error approach to maximize your catch.

The bottom line: no one is completely certain as to which jig colors are the best and why.

On some days, light hues work best while darker hues are optimal on other days.  Moreover, the fishing site and species in the water also determine which colors are best.

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