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Part 2
Ok , that's a basic easy technique. The next thing I would practice is a countdown. After the jig hits the water , count 2 seconds or 4 seconds or 6 seconds , before starting the retrieve. This shouldn't be done randomly. By counting down , you are causing the retrieve to occur at different depths , thus locating the depth of the fish eventually. So , you want to be systematic. Try 2 seconds for 3 casts. Then try 3 for a few , then 4 , etc. When you find the fish , keep using that countdown to be able to consistently reach that depth cast after cast. It's not unusual for the fish to be in a very narrow depth range. It may change from day to day and spot to spot but on any given day in any given spot , they are likely concentrated within a particular depth range.
You'll find that this is one place the jig weight and shape matters. A 1 OZ round ball will sink faster than a ½ OZ flat head. It will also have different action in the current. So if a 3 second count is working for a round jig , you might need 5 seconds (or whatever) if you switch to a lighter , higher surface area jig.
The next thing you want to learn is how to find the bottom. Some of the best jigging opportunities are right on the bottom. A simple way to do this is to cast out , just let it sink an inordinate amount of time , then slowly retrieve . Get to know what it feels like to have the jig touching bottom under conditions when you know for sure its down do to the long countdown before starting the retrieve. Another way to find the bottom is you sort of want to combine the countdown method with the steady retrieve method. You want to let the jig sink but you need to keep in touch with it so you can feel the drag when the jig bottoms out. Another good technique to add is a gentle raising and lowering of the tip to also try to sense the jig touching the bottom on the uplift of the tip.
Now , once you get good at finding and feeling the bottom , try to learn to bounce the bottom. That is , get the jig down and feel the bottom with a tight line as described above but raise and lower the tip enough to get that jig to go up a couple of feet then bounce back down and hit the bottom , then up again , etc. The bottom bouncing produces some sort of sound or vibrations and will also result in a puff of sand or mud to be kicked up thus making a visible sign to attract the fish too.
There are other ways but I think these basic techniques , used alone or in combination , are actually at the root of anything more complicated.
Buy jigs with good hooks. A good hook is essential , even for small fish. I've never broken an 8/0 hook in my life but despite spending $2.50 on a jig with nice hair , I've had several hooks break right where the hook meets the lead head on smaller jigs with minuscule fish on. Before you buy a jig , hold the lead head in one hand and the hook in the other and give it a good rock from side to side. If it can be bent easily or break in you hands , it won't even hold a small fish. Forget about jigs that come 12 in a package for $3 for saltwater striper fishing. You are far better off to economize by buying a good bare jig with a solid hook and painting and tying yourself than to buy cheap jigs that save a few bucks but result in many lost fish. All my jigs have forges and Cad plated Mustad Hooks. We make all our own. Two reasons why we make our own; We save money , and we know that jig won't let us down.
My last comment is about using teasers with jigs for schoolies. It works great but I'm not in favor of it. Spring fish that will hit a teaser will almost always hit the small jig. Unlike later in the season where teasers will increase you chance at hooking up at all , teasers used on spring schoolies just gets you double hook ups. That's fun if you haven't done it much but spring fish are easy to catch , one after another , so why go for doubles except to have a big number of schoolies to brag about. One fish on the line is plenty fun. It really kills me to see guys tying on 3 teasers plus a jig going for doubles , triples and quad hookups of 12 inch fish. Then later we hear how they caught 2000 fish that season. Sometimes a teaser will get you a fish when the jig won't. Then its smart to use the teaser but just to get many many fish at once , it just doesn't make sense to me. Multiple hookups means harder handling of the fish (the other three bounce on the rocks while you lip and release number one) and longer time out of the water for them. Give the little guys a break and catch and release schoolie fish one at a time. In my opinion , it's more sporting.
Saltheart
3/29/01
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