Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Summer 2015, Page 30

Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Summer 2015, Page 30

jig have a 28 to 30-degree, in line, line tie. This type of line tie helps the lure swim in the right position and have the right leverage for a hookset. The best hook types are round bend needle point styles in sizes 3/0 to 5/0.

The head should be sleek, some are bullet shaped and some have a minnow shaped design with the weedguard sloped back at an angle to protect the hook point from the weeds and snags without impeding the hookset. There should also be a strong keeper barb on the shank of the hook shank that holds a soft plastic trailer in place. That keeper can be made of lead that is built into the mold, or of a piece of wire that sticks into the bait, but it should keep the trailer from sliding down.

The head should be perfectly balanced so that the jig rides perfectly up and down in the water. If the lure tilts to its side on the retrieve, it makes the hook ride sideways, and it makes it more prone to

snagging, and does not appear to swim naturally through the water column.

Most swim jigs range in size from 1/4 to 1/2-ounce in size, allowing the angler to select based on the water depth they are fishing. I like a Davis Bait Bill Lowen signature model, a Strike King Hack Attack if the fish are extra-large and a Talon Fishing Unlimited Yuugyo Swim Jig for an ultimately real appearance in clearer water.

WHY A SWIM JIG?

A swim jig is designed primarily for the types of water that are prevalent in the South. A swim jig performs at its best in shallow water with grass and other types of cover in shallow water. In fact, as I was instructed by Bassmaster Elite Series pro Lowen, who has taught me the most about swim jigs, they should really be thought of in similar terms to a spinnerbait. They will work in much of

7-6 Duckett Fishing Kelly Jordon White Ice

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