The Jig and Pig bait gets its name from its original design. Originally a jig was rigged with a trailer of pork rind or pork skin which in some instances was shaped to roughly resemble the trailing claws of a crawfish moving through the water. This use of the pork product added the name “pig” to the rigged bait. While many fishermen still use pork products as a trailer many soft plastic baits have been developed and impregnated with pork essence providing the same attraction as the real thing.
The jig and pig used to catch largemouths is usually either a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce jig. There are differing opinions as to whether a round head or football head is best. Those favoring the round head maintain that this head is less likely to become lodged in the cracks and crevices of cover and rocks while those favoring the football shape claim that it will pass through heavy vegetation more easily reducing the likelihood of becoming snagged. The different weights for the jig can be used to either speed up the drop of the bait as it is presented by using the heavier jig or conversely slow the decent with a lighter weight jig.
The bait is rigged by passing the hook of the jig through the trailing material in a way that will permit the trailing portion of the “pig” to trail behind the jig. Trailing material of different size can have an effect on the effectiveness of the lure. The use of a smaller jig and pig in the spring is claimed to be effective because it blends better with the smaller size of young crawfish at this time of year.
Color choice of both the jig and pig portions of the bait can improve the productivity of the bait. By paying attention to the ability of bass to see colors in varying conditions you improve your ability to catch more fish.
The jig and pig should be presented by either “flipping” or “pitching” it into the suspected location of the bass. Since the jig and pig is designed to mimic a crawfish it will be very effective in the natural habitat of crawfish. A rocky bottom or rip rap along the shore line are excellent areas to find bass in search of their favorite meal. The pig and jig should be allowed to drop until it hits bottom then the bait should be moved in short hops or spurts of activity to mimic the movement of a fleeing crawfish. This action will entice strikes from foraging bass. Dropping the bait into brush, fallen trees, weeds and along the walls of drop offs will tempt the bass in their favorite types of cover. When you are able to find areas that combine the two elements you will be treated to great fishing.
The jig and pig is a bait that has widespread applications. It is a good choice as a cold water bait. Using a lighter weight jig will slow the decent of the bait. Combine this with slowed rod action and it can be used to entice fish which behave lethargically in colder temperatures. As temperatures increase and the activity of the fish increase it will remain effective when presented to bass in their traditional locations.
The jig and pig is a bait which is generally fished slowly, however, a lot of fish can be caught using this combination. Evidence of this can be seen it its widespread use by many of the top finishers in bass tournaments. This season slow down a bit, give the jig and pig a chance and enjoy some great fishing!
Ken Garrett Article Source:www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/the-jig-and-pig-try-it-for-some-great-fishing-904465.html
The author maintains a houseboat and fishes year round on Dale Hollow Lake in southern Kentucky. For more Bass fishing information go to gonebassfishing.com.
