Vertical Fall for Flipping Jigs

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on April 17, 2014 at 8:57pm

I think as long as the jig gets bit I don't think you should worry about it. My point being trailers can affect the bait by gliding away from you intended target and this motion (glide) might be the trigger to get bit. My rule of thumb is pitch or cast past your target distance determined by how deep. Example trying to hit outside post of a dock skip your jig under and past the post a foot or two. You will never get a straight vertical drop unless you have a super heavy jig and for the most part bass fisherman dont use jigs much more than 3/4 or 1/2 oz.

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on April 18, 2014 at 12:41pm

I think he's talking about pulling the jig away from cover when it first hits the water. I have the same issue some days.

Easier said than done, but a high finish on your pitch will allow you to give semi slack line to avoid pulling jig away from cover. Takes practice.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Caffrey on April 18, 2014 at 9:47pm

My approach is to flip slightly past the object, and lift the rod (with a free spool, and a little thumb) up high before the lure hits the water (this gives you extra line for the bait to fall as straight down as possible) . then lower the rod after the bait hits the water, putting you in a perfect position for an immediate hook set, and giving your bait as straight of a  fall as possible.  

Permalink Reply by Mike Wolsky on April 21, 2014 at 6:59pm

Ron is right on the money with this one. You can give as much slack as you could ever want, if your trailer is going to glide the bait, you aren't going to stop it.

Think about it. If you are pitching a jig, it is entering the water with the head facing you because of the friction of the line/pitch. If you fed the jig unlimited slack upon entry, it would likely glide directly back at you. It will likely turn/roll a few feet down and spiral to some degree. This obviously is not true if you are using a super heavy jig. Personally, I want the glide in my presentation.

As stated previously, pitch beyond your target. Try to pitch over branches, limbs, pads, cattails, floating crap... Whatever. This will also hold your bait in a position longer. Try the technique of ending your pitch with a high stick. This means your rod is up at 12 o'clock. Once the jig enters, drop your rod at the same rate. If it's deep, end at 12. If it's not deep, end at 10. If it's really deep, I end at 12 and lower to 9, then lift my rod back up to 12 again.

My biggest recommendation is not pitch out and start stripping line off. The vast majority of fish are going to already have the bait in there mouth while you are fiddling around like your digging out a backlash. Your reaction time is too slow.

Also pointed out, but I will reiterate - if your getting bit, don't worry about it. If your not getting bit, try changing to a jig with a different ROF or trailer that better matches the action you want. Paying attention to this and experimenting here will get you more bites.

Hope it helps and have fun.

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on April 21, 2014 at 7:39pm

Excellent information, guys!  Very well said. 

Permalink Reply by Sparkles on April 21, 2014 at 7:54pm

Or...just flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip. ..turn around head back flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip. Scratch head...change trailer. ..flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip flip. ..crack open a sparks. Flip flip...hookset...#1 in boat...repeat..then go home and drink about it. Or think about it...whatever makes you happy.

Permalink Reply by Clark Hess on April 21, 2014 at 9:27pm

Appreciate the responses guys! I guess now that I think about, not much that's alive really falls vertically in the water...only rocks do that. I'll give the high stick method a shot, I hate to think I've been missing some bites :P glad I asked haha. And unfortunately I'm under 21, so I'm stuck thinking about it!