Bass fishing in rivers is one of the most rewarding and thrilling experiences for anglers. To consistently catch bass, having the right tools is essential, and one of the most effective lures for river fishing is the jig. Custom jigs offer an edge over mass-produced alternatives because they can be tailored to the specific fishing conditions and the type of bass you’re targeting. This detailed tutorial will walk you through the best practices, techniques, and tips for using custom jig fishing lures for bass in rivers.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, this comprehensive guide will help you understand why custom jigs are such a powerful tool and how to use them effectively to improve your bass fishing results.
1. Why Custom Jig Fishing Lures Work for Bass in Rivers
Jigs are highly effective for river bass fishing for several reasons. They are versatile, durable, and can be customized for specific fishing conditions. Custom jigs are made with attention to detail and can mimic a wide range of prey, including baitfish, crawfish, and other river-bottom dwellers.
Here’s why jigs are ideal for bass in rivers:
- Mimic Prey: Jigs are designed to replicate the movements of natural prey that bass feed on. The jig’s appearance and action in the water mimic the behavior of injured or struggling fish, which attracts bass.
- Effective in Varying Depths: Jigs can be used at various depths in a river, making them versatile for different areas such as river bends, pools, and drop-offs. Custom jigs can be designed to target specific depths where bass are most likely to be feeding.
- Perfect for Structure: Rivers often have a lot of structure, such as rocks, fallen trees, and vegetation. Jigs can be effectively worked around these structures, allowing you to present your bait in places where bass are hiding.
- Durable and Reliable: Custom jigs are often made with high-quality materials that withstand repeated use in tough conditions, such as rocky riverbeds or weedy areas.
With custom jigs, you can adapt the lure to the specific river conditions, which gives you a significant advantage over more generic lures.
2. Types of Custom Jig Fishing Lures for Bass in Rivers
Custom jigs can be made to suit a variety of fishing conditions, and understanding the types of jigs available will help you select the right one for your needs. Here are some popular custom jigs for bass fishing in rivers:
a) Football Jigs
Football jigs are known for their wide, football-shaped head. This design helps the jig stay in contact with the bottom, making it ideal for fishing around rocks and other structure on the riverbed. Football jigs are perfect for slow retrieves, and their large profile makes them ideal for targeting larger bass.
- Best For: River areas with rocky or uneven bottoms.
- Why It Works: The football-shaped head helps the jig glide smoothly over rocks, making it ideal for bouncing along the riverbed to attract bottom-feeding bass.
- How to Use: Slowly drag the jig along the bottom or use short, sharp jerks to mimic the action of a crawfish or injured fish.
b) Arky Jigs
Arky jigs have a more compact, wider head compared to football jigs, making them perfect for getting through heavy cover like submerged logs or weeds. These jigs are great for areas where bass are likely to be hiding and are excellent for fishing around structures.
- Best For: Fishing in areas with dense cover or submerged structure.
- Why It Works: The compact head allows the jig to slip through cover easily, while the skirt creates a natural, lifelike movement in the water.
- How to Use: Use a hopping motion to make the jig bounce and look like a small creature hiding in the cover.
c) Flipping Jigs
Flipping jigs are designed for precision casting into tight spaces, such as under overhanging trees or in between rocks and logs. These jigs are perfect for bass that are hiding in specific areas of the river, making flipping jigs ideal for targeting elusive fish.
- Best For: Fishing in areas with heavy cover, such as fallen trees, docks, or vegetation.
- Why It Works: Their streamlined design allows for precise casting, and they can easily be flipped under structures where bass are hiding.
- How to Use: Use a controlled, short flick of the rod to “flip” the jig under cover, allowing it to sink and attract bass.
d) Swim Jigs
Swim jigs are designed to swim smoothly through the water, imitating baitfish or other prey that bass hunt. These jigs are often used for more active fishing, where bass are chasing and attacking prey in mid-water or near the surface.
- Best For: Open water and areas where bass are actively hunting for baitfish.
- Why It Works: The streamlined design allows for fast, smooth movement, mimicking the natural swimming action of baitfish.
- How to Use: Retrieve the swim jig steadily with a slight twitch to create a natural swimming motion.
e) Jigging Rigs with Soft Plastics
Many custom jigs are paired with soft plastic trailers, such as worms, grubs, or crawfish imitations. This combination creates a more lifelike appearance and adds extra action to the jig, making it more irresistible to bass.
- Best For: Fishing in various depths, especially for bass feeding on smaller prey like worms or grubs.
- Why It Works: The added soft plastic trailer enhances the jig’s action and mimics the natural movements of prey in distress.
- How to Use: Add a soft plastic trailer to your jig and use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the motion of a struggling worm or grub.
3. Choosing the Right Custom Jig for Bass Fishing in Rivers
Selecting the right jig is essential for effective bass fishing in rivers. Consider these factors to make the best choice:
a) Water Depth and Current
Different river conditions require different jigs. If you’re fishing in fast-moving water, a heavier jig (such as a football jig) will help keep the lure in place. For slower-moving water, a lighter jig (such as a swim jig) may be more effective. Consider the current and depth of the river to choose a jig that can reach the correct fishing zone.
b) Cover and Structure
Bass are often found around structure, such as rocks, logs, and submerged vegetation. If you’re fishing in an area with heavy cover, a jig with a compact head, like an arky jig or flipping jig, will be ideal. These jigs can easily navigate around obstacles and present your bait to bass hiding in tight spaces.
c) Time of Year
Bass behavior changes with the seasons, and the type of jig you use should adapt to these changes. In colder months, bass are more sluggish, so slower-moving jigs like football jigs with soft plastics can be effective. In warmer months, bass become more active, and swim jigs or flipping jigs are better suited to these conditions.
d) Fish Species
Different bass species, such as largemouth or smallmouth bass, have different feeding habits. Custom jigs can be designed to match the specific prey that each species prefers. For instance, smallmouth bass might be attracted to smaller jigs or crawfish patterns, while largemouth bass may prefer larger jigs that mimic baitfish.
4. Techniques for Using Custom Jigs for Bass in Rivers
The right technique is essential to getting the most out of your custom jig. Here are some effective fishing techniques:
a) Dragging Technique
One of the most effective techniques with jigs is dragging. Cast the jig to the riverbed, let it sink, and then slowly drag it along the bottom. This works well with football jigs and arky jigs, as it mimics the movements of crawfish or other bottom-dwelling creatures.
b) Hopping Technique
Hopping a jig involves lifting the rod tip to make the jig bounce along the bottom. This creates an erratic motion that mimics an injured or fleeing prey. This technique is particularly effective for arky jigs and flipping jigs when fishing around cover.
c) Swimming Technique
For swim jigs, use a steady retrieve to create a smooth swimming motion. This works best when you’re fishing in open water or near submerged structures. Vary the speed of your retrieve to see what works best for the bass in your area.
d) Flipping and Pitching
The flipping and pitching technique is ideal when fishing around cover like rocks, fallen trees, or submerged vegetation. This technique allows for precise and accurate casts, placing your jig exactly where the fish are hiding. Use a controlled flip or pitch to drop your jig into the target area.
5. Where to Buy Custom Jig Fishing Lures for Bass in Rivers
For high-quality custom jigs designed specifically for bass fishing in rivers, visit lurebolt.com. Lurebolt offers a wide range of custom jigs, including football jigs, swim jigs, and flipping jigs, all crafted with premium materials for optimal performance. Our lures are designed to mimic natural prey and provide realistic movement in the water.
- Custom Designs: We offer jigs tailored to the specific needs of bass anglers.
- Durability: Our jigs are made with high-quality materials that last in tough river environments.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Each lure is designed with attention to detail to ensure the best possible action and presentation.
6. Conclusion
Custom jig fishing lures are a powerful tool for bass fishing in rivers. By selecting the right type of jig and using the appropriate techniques, you can greatly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re fishing around cover with flipping jigs, dragging the bottom with football jigs, or swimming through open water with swim jigs, custom jigs can provide you with the edge you need to land more bass.
For high-quality, custom jigs tailored for river bass fishing, visit lurebolt.com. Our premium lures are crafted to help you catch more bass and have more fun on your fishing adventures.