Bill Rivers Jig 'n' Pig |
| Perhaps the least fished, last fished bass bait, the jig 'n' pig deserves a higher regard - not only as the unchallenged choice for catching big bass, but also as the bait of choice under the toughest bass fishing conditions. | |
| A jig 'n' pig can be effectively fished with something other than a flippin' stick and 30 lb-test. For most Ontario bass fishing, pitchin' / poppin' rods, trigger sticks, standard baitcasting gear, even medium-action spinning outfits can be used to fish a jig 'n' pig effectively. New generation fishing lines - low-memory, thin-diameter braided or thermally fused brands - make that possible and offer superior knot strength, abrasion resistance and durability. |  |
| Because it sinks slowly, is presented repeatedly at pinpoint locations, and hangs in the strike zone for a longer period of time, bass are far more likely to perceive the bait as a food item or as an intruder that must be eliminated. Even when the jig 'n' pig is not immediately taken, the other sensory qualities of this bait can often entice fish into more closely inspecting, then accepting it as food. The sensory appeal of pork chunks is unequalled by other trailers - they "swim" naturally, smell good, have the feel of live bait and apparently taste good too. Fished on a rattling jig, the appeal of this lure is enhanced further. Available in a wide range of colours and sizes, the jig 'n' pig combo is everything that a bass bait should be. | |
 | Because the jig 'n' pig is fished in shallow water, at close range, in heavy cover, they are relatively easy to fish. Simply cast, pitch or flip the bait repeatedly to the most likely looking places. Let the bait fall on a slack line to the bottom or through the tangle of cover. Once it is on the bottom, let it rest a few moments, then lift it 6 to 12 inches and let it flutter back to the bottom. If the jig gets hung up in weeds or branches, wiggle it down through the cover and "yo-yo" it at 5-second intervals. |
| Detecting pickups, especially on slack line, is the art of jiggin' and piggin'. Line watching is a must and hi-vis lines are preferred. Attimes, when a bass picks up the bait, the line will fairly "jump". More often, however, only a slight twitch, a slow sideways movement or a circular "stirring" motion signals a take. | |
| "Feel" is also essential in detecting pickups. A single "tap" on the line, a feeling of weightless, a spongy sensation detected as the rod tip is lifted and / or the scrubbing of line across weeds or branches signal that a bass has the bait. No matter what is seen or felt, set the hook - fast and forcefully to compensate for the hookguard feature on the jig and to get bass moving up and out of cover. |  Twitchbaits & Jerkbaits |