Fall 2020
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FINESSE JIGS
When the bite gets tough Faircloth’s jig choice is a finesse jig. He opts for the Bitsy Bug.
“The Bitsy Bug jig is constricted with a light wire hook for easy hook penetration and comes equipped with a lighter weed guard; so, the jig can be fished either on a baitcaster or spinning equipment to match the fishing conditions that you are faced with,” he said.
Faircloth advised against overpowering the jig with a trailer or the line choice.
“If the trailer that you picked is too big for your jig, it can overtake the jig costing you bites,” he warned. “My line choice for finesse jig options is Sunline Sniper FC in either 8- to 10-pound test line.”
Faircloth likes to match the jig pattern to what he is imitating; however, there may be times when in stained or dirty water, an attraction factor is more important than matching the hatch. He advised playing with color options to trigger bites.
When it comes to a skipping jig, you need a jig that has a few special qualities,” he began. “Your jig should be designed with a flat head to help keep it up on top of the water, as it is moving towards its target.
“One of the biggest keys to a good skipping jig is that it is equipped with a good plastics keeper. Plastics play a big part of your jig make up when fishing docks and it is important that your plastics stay locked in place with all the pressure that you are putting on it.”
Possibly the biggest challenge when fishing a skipping jig is the gear. The right equipment – with the right adjustments – can make or break the presentation.
“You don’t want to skip your jig under the dock or cover and blow up your reel in the process,” said Faircloth.
Picking the right trailer – with the right action – will help the skip presentation as well.
SKIPPING JIGS
When it comes to skipping a jig most of us need help myself, included so, I was all ears when Faircloth talked.
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