Evolution of the jig and choosing colors.

[MLTSPCS]

I think the rattle is condition dependent. If the fish are skittish or the water is gin clear, then I throw a jig w/o the rattle. If they are aggressive, the water is stained, or you have low light conditions I believe the rattle serves the purpose of attracting fish from a further distance. It would give them one more sense to use to key in on the bait. I also use a scented trailer most of the time. Uncle Josh made some plastic/pork leeches that I really liked but I can't find them anymore. I had to switch to the Powerbait leech that doesn't seem to have as much action, but it does have plenty of scent.

[MLTSPCS]

On another jig note: I just started throwing the heavy (1oz) BPS football jig. With the feel of it I think I will use it as an alternative to c-riggin in deep water sometimes. I threw this jig in Grn Pmpkn/Candy with a Grn Pmpkn/Candy Paca Chunk today and had several takers in the 15-25 ft area. I really liked the way it kept bottom contact. I could feel the difference from one type of bottom to another and it gets down quick. I did also hop it up pretty far by fishing it like I do a t-rig only lifting the rod quite a bit quicker. I was able to generate a few strikes this way as well. It seems like a versatile technique and I'm sure to use it more in the future. Shhh! Don't tell too many people, but I was fishing at T-ville again today. If you can get 'em to bite there with all the jet-skiers, tubers, and pleasure boats plus the high bright skies, not to mention the fishing pressure, then I would say this could prove to be a very effective presentation. Try it folks if you haven't already. I think you'll like it.

[Todd2]

Rattles seem to work for plastics/jigs for me. Sometimes if the water is clear or the bite is off I'll try it without them. Sticking with the jig topic, what kind of retrieve works best for you jig guys. Do you do more hopping or dragging?

[MLTSPCS]

In shallow water I tend to pitch it in, let it sit on bottom (hopefully it doesn't make it that far) for a few seconds and shake it in place a couple times. Hop it up and out a little and repeat. Retrieve and on to next cast. The deep water jiggin is something I'm just starting to try with those 1 oz. bps football jigs. Both a drag and a quick hop drew strikes today.

[CTFSHWHISKER]

i think the jig is a lot like the plastic worm,you can use 4 or 5 colors and if you are on fish you'll get bit,the wrong bait in the right place will still get a fish.As already said the extra colors are to catch fisherman,eventhough on any given day you'll catch something on them.for me i like a 1\2 oz for all around in blk\blue\grnpmkn with either a zoom chunk or a paca in wtrmelon candy or a plain grn pumkin craw just seems to work for me.if i vary i still use a solid green pmkin or watermelon,sometimes i add a few strand of blue in them.