05-08-2013, 05:50 PM
Ok, so i wouldnt think i would hear this question as often as i do. Why do i carry the exact same jig head in 1/16, 1/4, and 1/2 oz sizes. As most of you that have been on this site for a while know, i am primarily a wade fisherman ans i fish with mostly plastics. In my hard box i have three different weighted mirrolure screw on jig heads. Most people i fish with just grab a jig head, slide on a lure and fish. There are many factors that go into which head im gonna throw. (1) what is the water temp? The colder the water, the more sluggish the fish, so you want to have that bait in front of the fish as long as you can, so you dont want to throw a big heavy jig head thats just gonna sink as quick as it can. (2) whats the tide doing? If you are fishing fast moving water, how can you get that lure to the water shelf you are targeting.....a light head is gonna move away as fast as the tide can take it. (3) what is the structure like your fishing? As a speckled trout fisherman, i know this time of year trout love to hang out around the sand pockets scattered out in the grass that theyve spent the last couple months spawning in. I know if i use a heavy head, im just gonna be dragging it through a bunch of grass.....but if i use a light one, i can fish right above the grass and let it fall into those pockets as i come over them. (4) what kind of wind are you fishing in? fish tend to be more attracted to bait swimming cross-wind, than straight with it. Are you going to be ale to hit the spot you want in 30 mph (yeah, thats normal here) with a 1/16 oz head.....probly not. I know its just a jig head, but taking a second to observe your surroundings and consider the feeding habits of the fish your looking for will make your day on the water a little more enjoyable, because thats what its all about! When you go out to your favorite spot, and grab your favorite rod and reels and get ready to tie on that lucky lure, just take a minute...look around and ask yourself if you are picking that because its what you had good luck with last time, or are you tieing that on because thats what will give you the best chance THIS time...im not an expert by any means, i just take the time to think about what im doing...and thats all it takes to become a better fisherman......never stop being a student of the sport.