Jigs are among the most popular artificial lures for fishing saltwater, both inshore and offshore. Effective for catching a variety of game fish species, from small speckled trout to huge grouper, these lures are easy to use and very productive when presented properly. It's a good idea to be armed with several jig types and sizes when saltwater fishing
Description
Saltwater jigs come in a variety of shapes and colors. Each jig usually consists of a large hook with a upward bend in the shank just behind the eyelet. A heavy metal weight is molded around the bend. This produces a piece of terminal tackle called a jig head. Jig heads are often bright colors and frequently have markings that resemble eyes. The jig head is the foundation for a saltwater jig. Feathers, hairs, rubber skirts and other accessories added to the head complete the jig and make it more attractive to game fish. Metal jigs of aluminum or iron are also available. They consist of an oblong metal body with a loop at the top and a treble hook at the bottom.
Sizes
You measure saltwater jigs by weight rather than by hook size. For smaller saltwater fish, such as pompano, flounder or bluefish, jigs around 1/4 to 1/2 ounce in weight work well. Larger jigs, up to 3 or 4 ounces, effectively target bigger species such as kingfish, cobia and grouper.
Rigging
The easiest way to rig a saltwater jig is simply to tie it to the end of the line as a piece of terminal tackle. A swivel and fluorocarbon leader help reduce the visibility of the fishing line and prevent it from twisting. For added attraction, you can add live bait fish, cut bait, squid or other natural bait to the hook of a saltwater jig.
Use
Deep-sea fishing usually calls for larger saltwater jigs. Once the boat is over a likely spot--such as a reef, wreck or other structure--you drop the jig to the bottom and retrieve it up through the water column. When retrieving the jig, work the lure up and down in the water to attract the attention of fish in the area. You also can work jigs through the water for inshore fishing. Cast the jig out and allow it to sink completely, then bounce it along the bottom while retrieving it.
Species
A variety of saltwater game fish species take saltwater jigs. Inshore species include speckled trout, red fish, pompano, permit, flounder, sheepshead and drum. Blue runners, amberjack, mackerel, kingfish, snapper, cobia and grouper are among the deepwater species you can catch with saltwater jigs.
Fishing Gear
For inshore fishing, light- to medium-weight rods and reels work well with smaller saltwater jigs. Look for a rod that is on the stiffer side to twitch your jig effectively. Deepwater offshore fishing requires heavier rods with stiff tips to take the weight of large fish. A good medium to heavy boat rod and saltwater bait casting reel are good choices for offshore fishing. You can use monofilament fishing line for shallower waters, but the newer braided lines or superlines, which stretch very little, are best for saltwater jigs at depths below 100 feet.
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