The Ultimate Finesse Jig
Rate this article: 
Login to Vote
Loading ...
From the moment I caught my first fish on a traditional skirted bass jig, I was sold. Thousands of fish later – I have crafted my jig fishing into an art form. It is by far my favorite technique for both, Big Bass, as well as numbers, for 2 simple reasons.
(1.) The bass jig has the unique ability to replicate all types of prey, ranging from crayfish and salamanders, to shad and juvenile bass.
(2.) You provide the action. Whether you decide to swim this bait as fast as you can, turn the handle, or crawl it across the bottom at a snail’s pace, there is no doubt that this versatile bait catches fish.
A few years back, I began building my own bass jigs. With custom made jigs you can create any color pattern imaginable using today’s realistic and bold skirt material. Another HUGE advantage is that you can use the best hooks on the market, paint the heads with chip proof paint, and modify the weed guard flexibility based on the type of cover you plan on fishing. Not to mention that you can build your own jigs for about a third of the price when compared to the jigs you find in your favorite tackle shop.
Recently I began fishing the smallest bass jig I could build. It all started when I began struggling to catch fish on my favorite lake. This had never been a problem in the past and I was somewhat baffled. One thing I noticed, was thousands of baby bluegills, about 1inch long, all over the lake, especially around docks and near isolated weed patches. I tried everything from small minnow plastics, to crankbaits, swimbaits, and spinnerbaits, basically everything I could think of to mimic these tiny gills, yet I had limited success. That night I took out a few 1/8oz unfinished jig heads and pulled out my skirt material and began crafting some tiny bluegills. I paired these jigs up with cut down Erie Dater Jr.’s and had a handful of baby gills ready for action.
The next day, I DOMINATED the bass. Landing over 100 fish, ranging for 4inches to 5lbs, not too mention a few slab gills and crappies. It was insane. I was sold and hit the workshop that same night and began creating tons of these mini jigs. I pulled out old darter heads, round ball heads, snootie heads, whatever I could dig up and began adding skirt material. The best part about making these small jigs is that you can use your existing tackle. Simply gather up some small jig heads, grab some beat up skirts form some old jigs and combine the two. Cut down the Skirt Material and pair it up with your favorite plastics and you’re ready to roll. Just keep it finesse because it is real easy to get carried away.
When it comes to the jig heads, I prefer Round Ball Heads ranging from 1/16oz to 1/4oz. Make sure it has a sharp hook to drive the ooint home on light line. Weed guards are optional. I actually prefer to fish mine without weed guards. When adding the skirt to these heads remember, less is more. You don’t want to have too much skirt material because it will add too much bulk to the bait as well as decrease the fall rate dramatically. You can cut it down as short as you like. I like a short cut on the top part of the skirt and a longer bottom half that is cut off at the bend of the hook. In terms of plastics some of my favorites are the Poor Boys Erie Dater Jr., 2in Berkley Power Grub, Zoom Finesse Worm, Strike King Bitsy Craw Trailer, and 3in Senko. Remember to cut down these already finesse plastics to fit the jig.
Fishing the mini jigs is easy. Much like a traditional bass jig, you need to have constant line contact with the bait to feel the slightest bite and be sure to set the hook immediately. One of the advantages to these mini finesse jigs is that fish will hold onto them longer because of their light weight and softer texture. Fish these jigs around docks, isolated weeds and over open water where the bait is schooled up. Try and avoid long casts as you will lose contact and control over your bait due to it’s small size and light weight. The only time I make long casts with these jigs is when I spot fish combing the shallows and can catch them by sight. For this bait I prefer short spinning rods; my favorite being a St. Croix Legend Tournament 5’10” Medium. This rod allows me to easily fish in tight quarters and the shorter length prevents me from moving the bait too much. With longer rods, the smallest lift of the tip moves the bait much more than with a shorter rod. Fluorocarbon line is a must. It is strong, sinks, and adds to the stealthy approach to make these jigs effective. One way you can add some line strength, castability, and sensitivity is to use a BRAIDED line paired up with a quality fluorocarbon leader like Seaguar InvizX.
This year I have had tremendous success with these mini jigs and have had trouble putting them down because the action is so consistent. Grab some of your old gear and whip up some of these mini jigs and give’em a go. I guarantee you’ll have success whether you’re targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spots.
- John Mercon
Cool article. I’ve used bisty bugs in the past because they are the smallest, but I will give definitely these a try.
Nice article John. I started out fishing finesse jigs, but I often forget about how a mini jig can produce when a bigger jig will get overlooked. Looks like I better fill up my jig box with some homemade mini jigs again.
I witnessed John’s mini jig in action not to to long ago. I have fished small jigs but certainly not that small. I was floored by how well it hooked up and how large the bass where that would stricke it. I kept trying to push other baits slowly downsizing until I gave in and rigged up a little jig John had fabricated out of what seemed like a bb and few strands of string from a flannel shirt. Okay that might be a bit of exageration but the little jig did the job. The key herre is matching the hatch. Pay attention to the size of the forage like John.