I like to keep it simple when selecting jigs. I helped Lunker Lure design the Limit Series jig, which incorporates two of the most popular styles used today. A ball head for probing open water and ledges, and a shovel head used for heavy cover applications.
For a jig to be productive in open water it needs to have a long shank, light wire hook. When using lighter line such as 12 to 15-pound test this hook allows for good penetration at the end of a long cast.
In this type of situation a big, heavy wire hook creates too much resistance and will not penetrate as well. So, when making long casts or fishing deep, open water select jigs with a light wire hook and a medium weed guard.
To help secure a high bite catch ratio use as long of a rod as possible paired with a high speed reel.
When fishing depths from 6 to 15-foot I like 3/8-ounce jigs. In depths deeper than 15-foot I increase the weight to ½ or 5/8-ounce. The larger weight insures good bottom contact and increases sensitivity in order to detect the most subtle bites.
When targeting heavy cover like vegetation or wood the jig head design has to allow the bait to move through cover with ease. The shovelhead coupled with a heavy wire 5/O hook and a heavy weed guard fits the bill perfectly.
The object is always to penetrate the heaviest or the densest cover possible when fishing this technique. I increase my equipment size to a 7-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot heavy action Carrot Stix rod with 20-pound fluorocarbon line and a high-speed reel. This equipment allows for a good hookset when targeting heavy cover. It also helps land some of the biggest bruisers and get them out of the cover and into the boat.
