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I typically try to fish 1/16 oz or 1/32 oz.
I've rarely put anything in the water less than those.
Is smaller always better? Should I start smaller than normal?
I should say this idea comes from, because my Son thinks artificial jigs shouldn't be less than 1/4 oz, and frequently jigs should be abandoned in favor of minnows and crickets ...
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I fish 1/32 most of the time. Not saying it is right to do so. Only offering an opinion
I work my way down depending on the bite. I do find myself favoring smaller jigs. Typically 1/32.
Under a float I will throw 1/32 oz and less... I do cast 1/64 oz trout magnets quite a bit too...
For tuna, maybe ... or tarpon. Good grief!Quote:
Originally Posted by hankll
My standard jig is 1/32 but often drop down to 1/64.
Like most things in fishing...not always, but sometimes. A smaller thinner profile can turn the bite on especially in the winter. When I tied commercially I had customers that would order a couple hundred 1/32nd oz jigs tied about 1.5" long every year about this time. All they used.
Then there is something to be said for the slow fall rate of a smaller jig. I don't think I will ever be convinced that not using as light of a jig as possible for a slow fall is the best. All species love it.
If I needed to use 1/4 oz it would be in some serious current and I would have probably stayed home.
I’ve used 1/4oz but it isnt where I begin. A lot of fish fall to a 1/16 jig and for a lot of applications it does just fine and casts well for most folks. When they start to get picky, I downsize and then start playing the color game. I had a 1/8jig on once from a previous trip. Caught a few but then stopped, so I dropped to a 1/16. Got a few more and then it dropped to now and then. Put on a 1/32 and caught fish the rest of the day at a pretty good rate. Not always like this but it happens that way sometimes. Like some of the others, I now throw a lot of small stuff below 1/32 in weight. Ind and other factors make it tough sometimes but it’s lots of fun. Being able to cast the small stuff makes it tough with heavier line and stiffer rods so use the right stuff and you’ll have a good time with it.
1/32 are what I use most in Spring and Fall, but summer I use 1/8 and 1/4 oz jigs to fish deep and also if the winds is blowing the weight helps.
I do have some heads in 1/80, 1/64, 1/48 also. I do like the 1/48 Oz pony head as it's true weight is about the same as the Original Roadrunner in 1/32. The 1/32 in Pony heads true weight is closer to 1/24 Oz.
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I have a hard time casting a HAND TIED 1/32 jig. I can cast a 1/32 with plastics good but not so much with hand ties. I usually try this on my Leland trout rod and 2# SOS line.
Soft plastic adds weight that helps in casting. I can't cast it as far as I can a heavier jig, but with my spinning rod I don't have any trouble. Most of my 1/32 Oz jig fishing is trolling with my troll motor, well long lining! There have been times my way didn't work for some reason like floods and had to cast to catch them, but since 1978 or 1979 my spring and fall fishing has been long lining Roadrunners or Pony Heads jigs.
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My theory of weight jig I use is more based on weather conditions, high winds or current I will use up to a 1/4oz jig head....
I just talked to a guy on YouTube about this and will revisit it in an upcoming vid.....
You can still have a small jig and have a heavier head if a small profile bait is what it takes to get bit.....
My 3lb crappie came on a big body bait so I always try'n drop one when I get the chance....