Gear
> “One of my go-tos is a 1/4-oz Northland Deep-Vee Jig. The longer shank and bait-keeper seem to keep the plastic pinned better than most jigs.
> “Dress the jig with your favorite paddletail – the Impulse Paddle Minnow is a great option. I usually stick with natural colors (shiner, smelt) unless the water is really stirred up, then I’ll switch to something brighter (chartreuse and pinks).
> “Plastics ‘cuz they stay on the jig a lot better than live bait…allows me to fish faster and be more aggressive until I find a pod of fish. But don’t overlook pitching a BIG minnow too if you know fish are there….”
> “I love the 6′ 10″ ML XF-action from 2B Fishing…that quicker action allows you to get more snap out of the jig. 10-lb braid to a 10-lb fluorocarbon leader – the leader doesn’t have to be long, 2-3′ max…fluoro because it has less stretch and visibility than mono.”
Retrieve
> “Long casts…I want that jig as far away from the boat as possible. Once it hits the water, I’m letting it sink to the bottom before I do anything – bottom contact is key.
> “Make a quick snap, then let it sit on the bottom for few seconds…a lot of times fish will be following the bait, so that 1- or 2-second pause is when they eat it.
> “If they don’t eat it on the bottom, usually that quick snap will get a reaction bite out of fish and they’ll eat it on the fall.
> “Position the boat so you can fish the edge of the structure. A lot of times fish won’t be up in the weeds or rocks, but hanging right outside of ’em waiting to ambush.”
