Those who catch spinning have a good idea of what jig fishing is. It is with her that for many fishermen the development of such a popular tackle begins. It allows you to quickly comprehend the intricacies of fishing. At the same time, no matter what the conditions are on the pond, no matter how upscale the spinning is and no matter how large the number of future production is, in this form of fishing you can not do without what is called a “jig head”, which often determines the result more than the bait.
Classifications
A jig-head is exactly what they call a sinker, which has a certain shape, with a hook fixed to it. It is very effectively used when fishing with baits designed for spinning rods of various lengths. The jig head is classified quite simply and very clearly. Firstly, by weight: in most cases, the weight of this sinker is indicated directly on it in gram equivalent. However, experienced fishers easily rank its mass, despite being worn or scratched by stony or pike teeth, determining which jig head is in front of them on the “eye”.
According to its mounting method, this sinker can be stationary and articulated, which is also called affectionately “eared” or “cheburashka”. Despite the fact that the mass of both the first and the second may be the same, the difference between them is quite noticeable.
Stationary variety
Stationary jig-head involves a rigid connection of the sinker with a hook. She appeared the very first, so for a long time was considered a classic. But even now, when the hinges appeared, the stationary jig-head still did not disappear from the boxes of fishermen. And that's why.
Due to its rigid connection, the hook, which is threaded into the silicone bait, is almost always located with its tip up. It is this position that is considered the most successful for effective cutting. In addition, when wiring, the so-called “sticking” of the hook attached to the load ring never occurs. And one more thing: on a stationary installation, the game is maximally measured and smooth, without any glitches, which is required by predatory fish.
However, fishing with this type of jig head has its drawbacks. Firstly, due to the significant frontal resistance - the result of a rigid connection - the casting range is noticeably reduced. In addition, for the same reason, such an installation sinks to the bottom longer, however, it often becomes a plus. Thirdly, the angler is not able to vary the size of the bait, putting only the one that fits the hook of this sinker. And finally, in some cases, when fighting, prey is released, and the same rigid connection is used as a lever.
Articulated varieties
Hinged heads offer significantly greater freedom for bait due to the type of ring-to-ring connection. In this case, the sinker can move in a straight line, and the bait can have a rotational action with a somewhat curved path. Technically, this is achieved simply: the jig has two ears, on the one hand it is a hook fastener, on the other - a clasp or fishing line itself. The advantages of long-eared jigs are as follows: longer casting, the ability to layout any bait, hook, and maximum freedom of action for silicone during wiring.
Jig Shape
The game of the bait directly depends on this parameter, and not only during wiring, but also with free immersion. Experienced spinningists know that the more streamlined the shape of the head is, the less water the bait experiences and, of course, vice versa. The position in which the hook meets the predator also depends on this characteristic.
The existing variety of head shapes is somewhat confusing for inexperienced fishermen. It can be difficult for them to understand all this choice of forms, so many of them use only a simple ball-shaped sinker. Indeed, it can be called universal, because it is more than all the others, able to "adapt" to the conditions of fishing. But the more precisely the fisherman learns to choose the shape of a sinker for a specific pond, as well as the better he knows how to wear a jig head, the more effective his "silent hunt" will be. In addition, it will greatly reduce the number of hooks and save tackle from cliffs.
Suspension points
Another important condition is the accuracy of the head suspension point - the location of the ring for attachment to the fishing line. The position of the bait during wiring depends on the proximity to the center of gravity of the sinker of this unit. Jig-heads according to their suspension point are classified into three groups: with frontal, standard and central pendants. Each of them is designed for specific fishing conditions and is good precisely at "its" depth, at various distances from the bottom. Choosing a jig head with a certain suspension point, you can adjust the angle of the bait relative to the bottom topography, which is important in order for the fishing to be successful and the production to be rich.
Selection of a jig head for fishing conditions
Even a novice knows that an improperly selected mass of a sinker can practically bring to zero all efforts. But if you know how to choose a jig head, based on the expected conditions, then the production will not take long. Of course, it is impossible to determine the exact weight before starting fishing, you just need to correctly limit the range that you may need.
Selection of jig heads for river fishing
In this case, in addition to tackle, depth and required casting distance, as well as the type of bait used, the strength of the current should be taken into account. The main objective of the jig head is to provide the bait for the desired level of wiring. It is believed that for a standard stepped fall time should be two or three seconds. In most cases, this is the optimal weight for the jig. Of course, it is selected experimentally, but for many rivers of medium length with a depth of two to five meters, the required mass is a range of eight to sixteen degrees.
Choosing a Jig Head for Pond Fishing
In these conditions, it is much easier to determine the weight of the sinker for jig fishing. There is no current in the pond, in addition, sharp drops in depths are rare in it. This means that the optimal size of the jig head will depend mainly only on the depth and distance of casting in case of fishing from the shore. And the fisherman can learn such data in advance. The basic requirement for the jig head is the same: the need for pauses for step wiring at least once every two seconds.
For fishing in the reservoir
The reservoirs also have their own specifics, due to the fact that in large spaces fishing is almost always carried out from a boat. Moreover, it is known that jig fishing in boats involves mainly a search for bottom anomalies, such as sharp drops in depths, pits, streamers, channel boundaries, etc. It is in such places that a predator is most often found. Therefore, the mass of the jig head must be such a parameter to be able to fully catch both the lower part and the upper one.
How to tie a jig head?
Fishermen ask a variety of questions. And one of the main ones is how to plant a jig head. Today on sale there is a huge number of plastic soft lures and a very small selection of jig heads corresponding to them. There are only two types of sinkers: with lead "spouts" on the forearm of the hook and those that do not have such a beard. The latter has only a small "holder" for the bait, which is a wire spring, which, screwing in, fixes the bait.
But many, not knowing how to fit a jig head, tear silicone. But in fact, everything is very simple: the finished bait should not be tightened between the load and the sting. To do this, you first need to outline the place from which the hook should exit. By applying a jig head to the bait, a puncture is made with a needle or awl. Then the bait is pierced by a sting from the head, strung on the forend and displayed in the intended place.
The first thing you need to know about how to wear a jig head is the length of the hook. To do this, you need to attach the sinker to the bait, and in such a way that it fits snugly at the beginning of the vibrotail or twister. The hook itself should go where the “tummy” of the first or the tail of the latter ends. A hook is introduced into the body of the jig-bait smoothly, with careful insertion of silicone. At the same time, it can be positioned at a slight angle. When putting on the silicone nozzle, you need to try to pierce it to the end so that the notch goes inside the twister or vibrotail. This is done to reduce the likelihood of twitching the bait.
About the quality of jig fishing heads
The quality of the hooks that the jig heads are equipped with, in some cases, is, to put it mildly, not the highest. Often, cheap models are equipped with low-quality components. The main property of a good hook is the ease with which it pierces the tissue in the fish’s mouth. Also important are those indicators of how deeply it penetrates into them and how reliably it can hold prey during survival.
Making a jig head yourself
Do-it-yourself jig-head is quite simple. If the choice is focused on lead, then metal is simply poured into the mold for ebb tide. Volumetric jig heads are obtained from two halves. In this case, the alloy is poured through special openings, and special vents are made to remove air from the workpieces. The sinker mold can also be made from aluminum or steel, as well as from heat-resistant silicone, gypsum and other polymers.
To do this, you need a ready-made jig head, a copy of which you need to make. First, a cardboard box is taken, the gypsum mortar is mixed and half filled. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the substance lies tightly and without air. Then the solution will begin to thicken. When it becomes harsh, it is pressed into the finished product, oiled. After that, holes are made with a drill for pouring. When the mold is completely dry, it can be used.