Detecting StrikesWhen a bass strikes a jig, often it's an uncertain sluggishness or gentle pull on your line. Sometimes your line feels lighter because the bass has lifted the bait. Remember that bass usually pick up the jig on the fall, so keep a tight, careful line between your jig and rod.
The strike differs from the feel of when a bass hits a spinner or plug bait which is often unmistakably hard, and the line seldom zips away, like when a bass picks up a plastic worm. Set the hook with a quick snap of the wrist (it doesn't need to be a wild exercise of the entire body like on the fishing programs). Set the hook anytime you feel something odd on the line-usually it's a fish. After a little practice you'll recognize strikes as surely as when a bobber goes under.




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What To Add To A JigMany of us know bass jigs as jig-n'-pigs because a pork rind trailer has been hooked onto the jig to create extra appeal. Usually these have been cut in a wedge shape like a frog, and these trailers are often called pork frogs. But pork eels can be productive as well, especially in deep water. All are sensitive to drying out, so if you quit fishing for a while, take it off the hook and replace it in the jar, or keep it wet otherwise.
Light jigs usually call for light pork rinds. The same goes for a dark jig, which usually gets a dark pork rind. Sometimes a local behavior trend will upset the cart and anglers will swear a strange light/dark combination is best right now, but stick to the old combination as a rule. If you have a dark blue jig, a black pork trailer might be appropriate.
Use a smaller trailer instead of a bigger one if you hope to get more bites. It seems bigger fish do like large trailers, but experiment for best results.
It's not wrong to skip adding a pork trailer altogether and to fish the bass jig just plain. Plain jigs will catch bass sometimes. But it's a little like baking a cake and not bothering to add icing-you're better off with something on it.
Plastic crawfish have become an increasingly popular trailer for jigs. The plastic claws stand up when the jig is resting on the bottom, since the crawfish is hooked onto the jig by the tail, and it adds a great appeal for jigs. Pick a small size for these trailers also, and follow the same color combination guide lines for pork frogs.



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ColorsAs a rule, light colors are a good choice for bright sunny days. Dark colors are best for overcast days or at night. Often a particularly bright or unusual color with a dark combination will also work well on bright days. Strong sunlight is also a good condition for the sparkle of Mylar jigs. Bass will prefer certain colors at some locations under specific conditions-but minor color preferences are for every fisherman to argue about. Why someone might use a red-and-black jig over a red-and-brown jig is often a matter of preference.
Water clarity and waves also affect the amount of sunlight bass receive. Consider other factors besides clouds when picking out a color for your jig. For instance, a bright jig would be a good muddy-water choice, even on a cloudy day.



A Basic Color Guide






This Sat. coming up I plan to fish nothing but a jig to really give it a good shot. I plan to flip from 7:00 AM till 11:00 AM. Up to this dateI haven't even had a hit on a jig.
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