Jigging spoons

[hcso2445]

I've heard a bunch lately about people using jigging spoons for bass when it's hot. I was curious if anyone had any info to enlighten me on this. Some have told me to find about 30-35 ft of water and jig it off the bottom. I havent had any luck doing it this way. I'm pretty good with jigging since I icefished for a number of years. But most lakes in Minnesota are about at a maximum of 35 feet deep. Should a person suspect bass to be suspended?? I have a humminbird matrix 17 fish finder. But it is not very accurate at depicting fish, since I catch a lot of Catfish that dont show up on the screen. Anyways any info someone may have would be helpful.

 

[Hagen]

I can't catch fish on them but heard afew folks use them.

 

[Ronnie Garrison]

I don't look for any set depth, I look for baitfish and cover. In a July tournament on Lake Oconee a few years ago I had been catching some good bass out of a brush top in 24 feet of water. In a club tournament I could see the fish around the brush on my chart but could not get them to hit. Got right on top and jigged a Cotton Cordell spoon and landed a 7-7 largemouth.

The fish had been active when water was moving either way - Oconee has a pumpback system. But during the tournament there was no movement either direction. I think the fish were very inactive but the spoon right in its face was too much for it.

Fish stay more shallow in the lakes I fish in middle GA - they are usually stained and often don't have good O2 very deep. Oconee, because of its currents, stays mixed with no thermocline forming.

 

[Buoy-Master]

I've found that locating the bait is the first step. Find a few balls of bait then back off of them. Jig the spoon under and in them.
Sit on top or right on the edge of a hump. Cast into 30 - 40 feet of water and bring it it back.

Change your speed up too. Sometimes a fast and quick jigging action will provoke the bite...other times, bringing it up higher and slower does the trick. I also think that right now is the time to find some sort of structure nearby. You dont have to get the spoon in it...just close to it and that can be a pain in the rear with spoons but it does work.

Riverpark is a differant story...Most just go with the flow and jig the ledges.

 

[Buoy-Master]

Ditto Ronnie..

 

[TAzGa]

What kind of spoons do ppl use on the ledges? .. weight? .. is it good to put a swivel on them?

thx,
TAz

 

[jason]

3/4 to 1oz seem to work best. Yes, use a swivel if the spoon does not come with one. And whatever you do,do NOT let the fish jumpemoBang.

 

[Buoy-Master]

jason - 7/21/2008 4:20 PM 3/4 to 1oz seem to work best. Yes, use a swivel if the spoon does not come with one. And whatever you do,do NOT let the fish jumpemoBang.

</p>

Yea..that jumping part...thats a big part of it. ARG! Jason and I know about that!!!</p>

Get some small split rings and add a swivel like on a C-Rig. Seems to work pretty good. I'm gonna have to try a big ol single hook next time out. I cant believe that fish can throw 3 hooks out of thier mouths! </p>

 

[puddle jumper]

Not trying to be funny, but how do you keep a fish from jumping?? I have that problem with skipjack jumping and throwing the hook, my only solution is to reel like crazy and keep the rod tip down in the water,,, Is there something Im not doing?
Puddle,,,

 

[Buoy-Master]

Just need more luck. I do the same...reel like crazy and try to hold it down.

 

[dmorgan]

BBass - 7/21/2008 10:33 PM

Just need more luck. I do the same...reel like crazy and try to hold it down.

yes luck and lots of praying PJ and hold the rod tip as far under the water as possible

 

[MrWiskers]

Replace the treble with a single j hook. You will increase your catch 100%.