Downsized Jigging

Trips: 60  Hours: 155.5   Bass: 726  No. > 5#: 1

OK, here's a little "secret bait" tip. I love jigs and have used them to win a bunch of money over the years. In particular though, I'm always looking out for jig trailers that catch my eye more than anything. I was probably one of the first anglers in the state to get hold of and throw the Super Chunk by Zoom when it first came out. It was just a little something different at the time that kind of resembled a crawdad in a cool, abstract way. It still catches the heck out of fish, too. But the fish are seeing a lot of that type trailer now days, especially with the popularity of the Paca Craws. Enter this neat little trailer by A&L Baits.

Compact finesses jigs are getting popular and they require a down-sized trailer much of the time. A large trailer can easily over power a light weight jig. I want something small in bulk so I can still get a good drop and penetration into cover, but maintain a nice profile. Enter these little trailers above (click pic to enlarge). A good solid body that stays in place solidly on your jig shank and trailer keeper, yet doesn't have a lot of bulk. Nice long claws that stick out past the skirt to complete the profile. When combined with a compact jig you end up catching fish like this piggie I got today on the combination (again, click to enlarge). Who ever said we bass anglers keep all our tourney secrets to ourselves? 

Comments

[Paul Roberts]

Brian,
When do you use these? Is it in response to angling pressure?

[Big Indiana Bass]

Paul,

The simplest answer is I use these when I use very compact or finesse type jigs. It is a "complete package" deal to me. I don't put them on standard sized jigs, as an example.

When do I use the finesse-type jigs? Pressured water is definitely one factor considered. Water clarity and cover conditions are a couple others. I like them in somewhat clearer conditions, more open water type conditions (rock/clay/gravel banks), cold water conditions or for very slow presentations in shallow water, heavy cover or not (usually related to angling pressure). The other time that comes to mind is when dealing with 12" size limits (most of our waters are 14" or above) or spotted and smallmouth bass.

Certainly not an every day deal, but enough of a factor on many of our waters that I just picked up 400 more of these guys in a few colors this past week :)