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finesse presentation and I prefer to fish these small jigs on spinning gear.
A 7’6” Cousins Tackle Raze RSK 752S matched up with a 2500 series spinning reel suits my style well. I use 10-lb Sunline SX1 Braid as my mainline with a 7-lb Super FC Sniper leader joined with a modified Alberto knot.
Most of the time I fish a ¼-ounce jig and I will thin out the weed guard or remove it altogether if the conditions allow. The relatively light weight of the jig head combined with the gossamer like fluorocarbon line allows the bait to move naturally.
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In the winter, less is more. I like to drag and dead stick the jig, slow and subtle is key to my approach. Areas near vertical structure, such as long flat points with steep sides, can be very good as are bluff banks near channel swings and small cuts and pockets. In keeping with the subtle nature of the presentation, I favor shades of brown, green and purple. Purple has always been a popular color in Northern California. I try to blend the trailer color with the skirt.
There are lots of great trailers available, so choosing one is largely
personal preference. I am careful
to ensure that my trailer does not
overpower the jig and I will shorten it
to achieve the profile I am seeking.
When the water is cold, a #101
size pork frog has been a great
option for me. Unfortunately, pork
trailers are almost impossible to
locate nowadays. When targeting
spotted bass or smallmouths a
Yamamoto 4” Double Tail Grub is my
personal favorite. Even in cold water
the swimming action of the tails
is very effective. For largemouth, I
prefer a crawfish style trailer such as
a Yamamoto Baby Craw.