3 Bass Jigs You Must Know: Flipping Jigs

Jigs a must for any angler 

By Luigi De Rose

Big bass bite jigs. No one will dispute that. So you need to understand how to use them. Rubber skirted jigs are categorized into three distinct styles: flipping, football and finesse. They might seem similar but their intricacies make them uniquely different.

 

Flipping
Flipping jigs are the bread and butter of any bass nut. Poured with a stout hook and fiber weed guard, they’re meant to penetrate cover. Ranging from 1/4oz to magnum 1 1/2oz beasts, they are designed for war. Teamed with heavy lines and heavier rod actions they’ll sink into any cover.

Heavy grass bed are ideal flipping jig cover.
Teamed up with heavy action rod and braid, it is a
great method for catching giant bass. 

Focus on jighead design before tying one on. Missing minor details can become major headaches on the water. Cone shaped heads excel in weed. The line tie should be no greater than 60 degrees and the lead must mould seamlessly around  the hook eye. Any flaw will catch more weeds than bass. Being picky will have you fishing more and cleaning less. If you’re targeting wood, select a rounder or triangular shaped head. This design glides over limbs easily. The wider head also positions the hook up. Slimmer heads tend to fall on it side easy causes causing more hang-ups.  

Swimming a jig is a neat presentation that should be add to your bag of tricks. Using a grass jig, usually a 1/4oz or 5/16oz one, float the bait over cover much like a shallow crankbait. A slow steady retrieve while pulsing and jiggling the rod tip will keep the lure lively. This method transforms it into a fleeing baitfish so colours should match local bait. A few strands of orange, green, white, or light blue will work wonders. Don’t dismiss an all white jig and trailer. It’s a great minnow mimic.

A recent trend has been giant jigs; real big boys up to 1 1/2 ounces. From inches of water to the deepest weedbeds, jigging mats is a sure-fire method to nail the biggest bass but its very labour intensive. Lighter jig lack the momentum to pierce canopied weeds so stick to be heaviest ones. Requiring long, heavy action rods and the heaviest braided line you’ll need an ice pack for your elbow at day’s end.