Hamilton Reef
04-13-2006, 11:23 AM
Straight talk on jigs
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS10/604130463/1058
April 13, 2006 By Eric Sharp
The most important thing when jigging for walleyes is to keep the line vertical. A line that's streaming out 45 degrees to the front or back of the boat simply won't signal subtle jig bites as well as a line that's straight up and down.
To accomplish this, use the outboard engine or trolling motor to slow the boat's drift so it moves at the same speed as the jig moves along the bottom. If there's not too much wave action, the best way to do that with the outboard is "back-trolling," or keeping the transom to the current.
The other primary factor is the weight of the jig. Lighter jigs are less likely to spook fish and make it easier to feel strikes, but a jig that's a little too heavy is better than one that's a little too light, because it's more important to keep the line vertical and feel the bottom.
And many anglers use a 3--4 for fluorocarbon leader, because it's almost invisible underwater. Eight-pound test is a good all-around choice, but in very clear water six or even four pound will draw more strikes.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS10/604130463/1058
April 13, 2006 By Eric Sharp
The most important thing when jigging for walleyes is to keep the line vertical. A line that's streaming out 45 degrees to the front or back of the boat simply won't signal subtle jig bites as well as a line that's straight up and down.
To accomplish this, use the outboard engine or trolling motor to slow the boat's drift so it moves at the same speed as the jig moves along the bottom. If there's not too much wave action, the best way to do that with the outboard is "back-trolling," or keeping the transom to the current.
The other primary factor is the weight of the jig. Lighter jigs are less likely to spook fish and make it easier to feel strikes, but a jig that's a little too heavy is better than one that's a little too light, because it's more important to keep the line vertical and feel the bottom.
And many anglers use a 3--4 for fluorocarbon leader, because it's almost invisible underwater. Eight-pound test is a good all-around choice, but in very clear water six or even four pound will draw more strikes.