When it comes to pitching vegetation I have always used a pegged 1/2-1oz weighted creature bait, however I'm starting to like the versatility of using a structure jig in its place. I am a co-angler and any time I can use one rod/bait in multiple ways it helps due to the minimal number of rods I am able to bring with me. The jig would allow me to use it other situations (swimming it, dragging it, etc.). I just have never really used a jig to pitch vegetation so was wanting to get your opinions.

What are you thoughts on a trigged creature bait vs a jig? Do you prefer one of the other and why?

Thanks

Plastic more bites but the jig is known for bigger bites. Personally I use plastic 99% the time but I've gotten to where I use a punch skirt alot.

Pitching Plastic allow you to change colors, change profiles and etc.. That is a big plus when fishing a tourn.. Changing a jig out takes time.

A jig seems to catch a lot more grass for me. It will get the bigger bite although if you put either in front of the same fish I bet they will eat it.

Tend to use tx rig to try to find them. And a jig once I know where they are and want to catch the biggest of the bunch

re-tying a jig doesn't take any longer than getting a new plastic out of the box, pulling off the old one, and putting a new one on the hook

If the guy up front is throwing a big jig going for a reaction bite it may be better to stick with a plastic. That's my rule of thumb.

If I am in a tournament. Nothing is in a box to go digging for. Everything is on my seat attached so I can get to is quickly. I keep 3 or 4 packages in my pocket of different colors ready to put on. I believe I can put on a plastic faster than you can cut and retie a jig.

It all depends on the condition. In most cases, a jig is best for fewer but bigger fish. And a creature bait Is a little better for numbers

you might be right but it's the difference between 15 seconds and 30 seconds

Your right if 15 second makes or breaks your day then we're doing more wrong than switching out baits.

To the OP:

There are many things that one can do to optimize your rods. You will talk to your boater before the tournament to determine how the fishing day is going to go. You would not want to be rigged up for shallow water if he is going directly to the humps and stay in deep water all day.

I know on my Skeeter it is designed to hold 7 rods beside the passenger seat. Cut that down to 5 and I believe that would be reasonable and acceptable. Load them up with your first 4 hours of fishing. The only reason to retie something on would be if you are getting schooled by the boater or break off.

Shallow water first 4 hours.
- #1 - Top water rod with a clip to change out baits. My spook works much better with the clip. This also lets me switch to Square Bill crank baits when needed quickly. I can even clip on a spinner bait or swimbait if needed; as I use the twisted line tie baits. So that is 3 in one set up.

- #2 - Pinch weighted Fluke - I use the split bullet 1/32 weight at the nose of the bait. It can be removed quickly if you want to throw something weightless. This will also accommodate a sinko, stud fry and trick worm. When you are in really heavy cover and paying attention to your boater while he is throwing top water; target every bush with the Fluke as he passes that bush with the top water. We have won tournaments following up the spook as it passes a bush. Unless the boater is knocking them dead on top water; I will be throwing the Fluke.

- #3 - Light Crig. - 1/8 oz. short leader to 16 inches. 3.0 hook will accommodate many soft plastics but is technique specific; meaning that is all you can do with it. It is absolutely deadly on the grass with a fluke and 10" worm.

- #4 - Trig. 3/8 oz. pegged. It is set up for pitching and flipping heavy cover and bushes. This can be used for a quick Crig. just by sliding the weight up the line. It is a quick fix for that when you get stuck out on a point and want to drag a few up hill until the boat gets straight and back to the bushes. I have caught many big fish from the back of the boat by switch a pegged Trig over to a Crig and throwing out to deep water.

- #5 - of your choice - I would do a wacky rig.

I Start off with a Jig, heavy Grass Jig 100% of the time. and if i can't get bit I will down size to a soft plastic with a pegged tungsten sinker