Lead Head Jigs

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Any of the combinations you see above can be switched around. However, the combinations that are outlined, will give the bait the best presentation. The key always is to be as natural as possible. Go to our Soft Plastics Pages to see these baits.

Using unusually light lead heads for larger baits are also very effective on pressured waters. For instance, a 1/16 oz. lead head with a 4” Tickle worm is very effective around timber or docks. Use your imagination, you will be surprised!!!

Darter heads and Minnow Shaped heads allow the bait to glide through the water columns for a more horizontal presentation.

Round ball and Football heads are primarily used for vertical or bottom presentations. Football heads are extremely effective for fishing the rocky bottoms that hold Smallmouth Bass or Walleyes. The design of the head keeps it from hanging up as much.

Football head jigs are great for crawling a crawfish along the bottom.

Drop Shot Rig

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The most popular rig of late, gaining popularity among weekend warriors and professionals alike.
The two weights shown are distinct in the type of terrain they should be fished in.

If the bottom has a lot of chunk rock and is quite variable, then the round ball is your choice. These weights will not slip between the rocks and get caught as easily as the finesse weights.

As far as the hook is concerned, the split-shot hook is the hook of choice. I use our New Eagleclaw Pro Series L7226BPD Drop Shot  hook in a # 4 or # 6. Tying this type of hook directly to the mainline using 6 lb. Monofilament and a polymer knot with the hook point facing the rod tip is recommended. A trick when tying the knot is to feed the tag end back through the eye before attaching the weight. This simple application will keep the hook facing the surface reducing it chance to get hung up.

At this point all you have to do is tip a plastic worm or tube and cast it out. When retrieving this rigging technique, shake the rod tip and then reel until taut. The bite will be as much as a tick then a spongy feeling. Set the rod finishing with the rod tip high and then reduce your drag so that you do not over exert the line.

I would also recommend either a #1 or #2 Pro Series X-Wide Gap L7013BPG hook, or a #2 or #4 Split Shot Hook.

More Rigging Tips