Just posted this to the other gentleman.
There is no wrong way to fish a jig. I have caught tons of bass on them. Most folks don't throw them because they don't have confidence in them. The best way to gain confidence in them is to throw them. Here is what I suggest you try.
Chances are you have confidence in some sort of soft plastic bait. The next time you go fishing rig a rod up with a jig. Don't get wrapped up in all the hype as to which one. Go to Academy and buy a 3/8 and a 1/2 oz black & blue Booyah A Jig. They are about $3 bucks and they have a good strong hook and a rattle. They also have a pointed head that comes thru cover well. Put whatever trailer you like on back.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/booyah-boo-jig?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensionsTie it on a MH rod with 15-20# line of your choice. Start fishing your confidence bait. When you start getting bit switch to the jig. Fish it just like the soft plastic lure you have been catching them on.
Throw it out, let it hit bottom, work it in little hops, or just slowly drag it across the bottom. If you feel it come up to a limb and you can yo-yo it in place a couple times even better. Sometimes the fish really thump it hard. Other times it is just a little tap. Some times you go to pick up on it and it just feels heavy like you have snagged a wash cloth. Reel down and set the hook hard. It don't cost nothing to swing so set the hook if it ever feels Funny.
Once you catch a few fish on a jig you will gain confidence in it. The thing you should notice is that fish on a jig will normally average 4# or better. Let the fish tell you how they want it. Pay attention to what the bait was doing when you got the bite. Was it falling off a limb, was it sitting still, were you reeling it in?? Even in 25 FOW the fish bite the jig the same way they do in 2 FOW. Start with a slow steady drag. If you believe there are fish present and they don't bite, try some little hops.
If that doesn't work, try stroking it up off the bottom. Don't be afraid to use a 3/4 or 1 oz jig to do this. I think a bass that ignores a slow moving jig will suddenly trigger if it jumps up in his face and drops back to the bottom quickly. This is most effective in the summer months when the shad are deep.
This is one of the hardest things for the average angler to do. Duplicate exactly what they were doing when they got the bite. Pay attention.
If you want to talk about it lemme know. I am happy to help. Shoot me a PM.
Ken
