Getting started jigging.

[oldskidoo]

I have been thinking I need to give jigging a good try but not sure what would work. I would start where I find fish in open water and jig in sight of my traps. Also been looking at cheap fishfinders the Hook2 4X is in my price range.

So how to start?

[Sawyerjosh]

Medium weight jig rod. 4-6lbs test. Get 3-4 different jigs.  I like a hali jig a lot.  Cast master can work. Always bait the jig.  Cut bait/worm/maggot.  Just something. Jig a few times then hold it still.  Some fish like to hit while jigging.  Many jig while still.  Move around. 20’ can make all the difference.  If you have a trap that keeps popping flags but no fish-jig that.  Once you get a flasher you may start leaving your traps home.

[woodchip]

Josh is right on , I carry my jig rods and flasher  only.  you look at all the fish that were caught at the Sebago  derby  50ty fish a day by the guys moving around with a flasher and jigging ,  7,500 lbs giving to food bank 90% of those wer caught on jigs,  on Buying a flasher you only get what you pay for ,get a good one and it will last you 20 plus years,  Guys out setting traps are just wasteing time and bait.

[Bowdoin Boy]

Ask Bee he's the Best at Jigging..

[bee]

Dont buy a cheap Fishfinder. If you have a boat you may already have a good unit that just needs a transducer to be usable. If not i would get the best unit you can afford and add an ice xducer. The bigger the screen the better. Im a helix 7 fan myself. Big bright screen. Its sunny on the ice and a big screen for me is needed. As for rods and line and reels expensive is not needed. I use the same spinning reels as i use open water. A couple jig rods light dutey if your into pan fish. I use 3 lb test hi vis ice line. Your rod is a spring. That allows you to use lighter line. As far as jigs and plastic i only do pan fish so you have a thousand answers.

[oldskidoo]

Thanks all for the advice. I may give the fishfinder more thought. A better one for the boat and use it for both may be the way to go. Also not aware about moving around so much.

[bee]

Thanks all for the advice. I may give the fishfinder more thought. A better one for the boat and use it for both may be the way to go. Also not aware about moving around so much.

Moving is a big key to sucess. Lightweight gear and mobile.

[stickbait]

Moving is a big key to sucess. Lightweight gear and mobile.

What bee said!!

[oldskidoo]

When I had both shoulder joints replaced a few years ago I knew I was done with the old Jiffy 1 armed bandit. I am set up with a clam plate, 6" auger, and Milwaukee drill. I'll try the fishfinder off my boat next time out.

[oldskidoo]

When I had both shoulder joints replaced a few years ago I knew I was done with the old Jiffy 1 armed bandit. I am set up with a clam plate, 6" auger, and Milwaukee drill. I'll try the fishfinder off my boat next time out.

[jacksmelt71]

Josh is right on , I carry my jig rods and flasher  only.  you look at all the fish that were caught at the Sebago  derby  50ty fish a day by the guys moving around with a flasher and jigging ,  7,500 lbs giving to food bank 90% of those wer caught on jigs,  on Buying a flasher you only get what you pay for ,get a good one and it will last you 20 plus years,  Guys out setting traps are just wasteing time and bait.

not up here. i only jig for smelt. i do very good with traps but im always moving them . trying different depths. when im down your way i do both and many times cant keep up with the traps so i pull them and just jig. depends where your fishing. if you just stick your traps out anywhere and expect to catch fish your better off moving around and jigging. also temps have alot to do with it also. much more people jig in s. maine compared to here, because its warmer and you guys have alot more schooling species that can be caught jigging. ive tried up here many times but caught little fish for the time invested. down south of bangor i slaughter them jigging!