Arkie vs Football head jig

[Micropterus salmoides]

I'm looking for a jig for lake fishing rocky cover with scattered pieces of wood. The shoreline can range from a shallow, medium, or deep incline. The depth range I usually target is 0-15 feet, with 5-12 feet being the sweet spot. On occasion I will work the jig down to 20 feet. I have been using Rod Strainer Dinkster jigs, which have an arkie style head, with success, but wonder if a football head would be better suited. I may try the Wadda Jig soon.

Many people suggest football heads for deeper structure fishing, but I'm unsure if my situation would qualify. I'm definitely structure fishing but am not fishing deep. Most of the football head jigs I've seen either have a hook that is too small and too thin or they use the Gamakastu EWG style. I don't like the former because most trailers are too large and since jigs produce big fish I want a strong hook. Is there something about the football head style that makes it better suited for the EWG? I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

[SethB]

A football head will definetly work in your situation. I would go with a 1/2oz.. 3/8oz.-3/4oz. will have there time and place. As for the lighter hooks. Most of the time a football head is used in pretty open water away from heavy cover so you can get away with using lighter line. With lighter line you need a lighter wire hook. on a med-med heavy rod with 12# line you shouldn't have to many problems with staitening the hook. Yammamoto makes a football head with a stout rnd. bend hook. hope this helps.

[big bass beckstrom]

I love to use football jigs in rocky lakes. i fish them from 0-50 feet. You are going to need a few sizes. 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ounce. I would also suggest that you buy the revenge football heads and put a yamamoto hula grub on it, it is more cost efficient and i believe that it works better. I suggest 12# flourocarbon for fishing these because it has less stretch, is almost invisable, and it sinks this will help you get the jig down deeper if you have to and it is more sensative and the fish have a hard time seeing your line. They will also come through wood fine.

just my .02

Elliott

[Tobe]

Mr. Bass,

You may want to try a football type head when fishing rocky areas.

Fishing jigs in rocky structure is a favorite of mine.

I have found I loose far less football jigs because of the angle of the hook eye in relation to the head. This angle has a tendency to rock the jig forward when the head starts to wedge into a potenial snag.

I use Pepper Jigs exclusivly for many reasons, a couple being the quality Gamakatsu hooks (up to 6/0) they use on all their jigs and the fact they have a great trailer keeper.

When it comes to jigs I would be willing to bet there's been more tournament money won at Clear Lake in the last few years on Pepper Jigs than any other jig on the market.

Pm me and I will send you a couple in your favorite color.

www.pepperjigs.com

[basstrophy]

Large Mouth Bass,

Check the flipping jig at http://berserkbaits.com/ You can order any color combo and weight you want. The flipping jig has a stouter hook and the jig is a foot ball style. The jigs are all hand made to order and catch fish. I just put in an order via email and BerserkBaits responded the same day. They have wire hook jigs too. Check out their web site.

[N.A.R]

This is the Jig I use. With out a doubt the best I have seen/used.

http://www.blackangeljigs.com/shows.html

[mvanguilder]

Berserk jigs are the way to go in your situation. Football head style with a smaller style Gami hook. Hand painted, hand tied, customized the way you want. You can get them up to 3/4 oz. Check them out at Bait Barn in Waterford, Snelling 76, or soon to be stocked in Escalon Bait & Tackle. Besides the lake style jig there is also a flippn' style too. www.berserkbaits.com