Jig fishing is one of my all time favorite methods of catching Redfish. Over the years, it has been a tried and true way for me to bag my quarry of choice. Bass fisherman have fished jigs for decades with much success and though not many Redfish anglers fish jigs, I am here to tell you that they are missing the boat!!

When it comes to jigs, I prefer to fish lightweight jigs in shallow water. By lightweight, I mean jigs that are 1/8 to 1/4oz and by shallow I am typically fishing in water less than 5 feet deep. I prefer an arrowhead or flat headed jig that is tied with deer hair. The flat jig flutters from side to side as it descends in the water column and pulls through the weeds, grass and oyster beds better than round headed or other types of jigs. The hollow fibers of deer hair allow the jig to appear full in the water and in my opinion makes it easier for the fish to see the bait. If possible, try to find a jig with at least a 3/0 hook, preferably of the black nickle type. This type of jig may not always to be easy to find in deer hair, so if you can find one without any dressing, you may want to consider tying your own deer hair on it. Your favorite fly shop should have everything you need and for a few dollars, you can get enough thread, hair and glue to tie hundreds of jigs.It doesn’t have to be pretty, but I promise you it will catch fish. As far as colors go, I prefer to fish darker colors or a mixture of dark colors on top with lighter colors on the bottom. A little gold or copper mylar flash never hurts either.

When fishing the jig, I like to use a 7-foot, graphite, light action rod matched with a 3000 series spinning reel and 10lb braid line. The light action rod will “load up” when casting, allowing you to make longer cast with the lightweight jigs. The graphite rod and the braid line will allow you to feel every little bump, rock, and oyster shell as you move the lure across the bottom.

As far as how to fish the jig, I like to fish it along a grass line at high tide. I like to pop it off of the bottom and then let it fall back down. Many times, the fish will eat the jig while it is descending and when you “pop” the jig up again, you are automatically setting the hook. Other times you will feel the distinct “bump” of the Redfish inhaling the jig and then you should immediately set the hook before the fish has a chance to swallow the jig. In the summer months, I will tip the jig with a small piece of fishbites™. It doesn’t take very much, just enough to give off a little scent in the water. In the winter months when the Pinfish are gone, I will tip it with a Berkley Gulp™ jerk shad or swimming mullet. What ever time of year it is, I will typically fish the bait slowly, especially in the colder water of winter.

So the next time you are out on the flats, try fishing a jig. The Redfish will thank you and then you will thank me!!

Tight lines and good fishing!!