Fishing for bass in lakes is one of the most popular pastimes for anglers, and for good reason—lakes provide an abundance of diverse fish species, beautiful surroundings, and exciting challenges. When it comes to targeting bass, using the right lure is critical. Among the most versatile and effective options for bass fishing are jig fishing lures. Custom jigs, in particular, provide a tailored approach to fishing, offering the ability to match the local environment, prey, and the bass’s behavior. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about custom jig fishing lures for bass in lakes, covering the best types of jigs, techniques, tips, and how to get the most out of these essential tools.
1. What Are Jig Fishing Lures?
A jig fishing lure is a weighted bait that features a hook and a skirt (typically made from rubber, silicone, or feathers) designed to imitate prey like baitfish, crayfish, or worms. Jigs are most effective when they are bounced or dragged along the bottom of a lake or river, mimicking the movements of natural prey. The weight of the jig allows it to sink, and the hook is exposed to ensure a secure catch when a bass strikes.
Jigs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and each has its own specific action in the water. Custom jigs are particularly useful for anglers who want to fine-tune their setup to match the conditions of a particular lake or target species.
Types of Jigs:
- Football Jigs: These jigs have a wide, round head that allows them to bounce along the bottom without getting caught on rocks and debris. Great for rocky lake bottoms.
- Casting Jigs: These are designed for general-purpose casting and work well for bass in both shallow and deeper waters.
- Flipping and Pitching Jigs: Smaller and more compact, these jigs are ideal for heavy cover and are effective when bass are hiding in vegetation.
- Swim Jigs: These jigs are built for a swimming action, ideal for use in areas with weeds and shallow lakes.
Custom jigs can be tailored to suit different water conditions, seasonal changes, and even the specific species of bass you’re targeting.
2. Why Choose Custom Jigs for Bass Fishing in Lakes?
When fishing for bass in lakes, having the right lure can make all the difference between success and frustration. Custom jigs offer several advantages over off-the-shelf options, making them a top choice for serious anglers.
a. Tailored to Local Conditions
Custom jigs are designed specifically to match the type of fish, water conditions, and local prey in the lake you are fishing. Whether the lake has rocky bottoms, abundant vegetation, or shallow waters, custom jigs allow you to fine-tune your setup for maximum effectiveness.
b. Precision and Performance
Custom jigs are often handcrafted or carefully designed for superior performance. This attention to detail allows for a better action in the water, greater durability, and more reliable fish-catching power.
c. Enhanced Strike Rate
Bass are smart and can be picky, especially in clear water. A custom jig designed to match the local forage and have a natural swimming action can increase your chances of enticing a strike. Bass are more likely to respond to a lure that closely resembles their natural prey.
d. Versatility
Custom jigs can be used in a variety of ways, including flipping, pitching, dragging, or swimming. This versatility makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers who may want to adapt to different fishing conditions and techniques.
3. How to Choose the Right Custom Jig for Bass Fishing in Lakes
Selecting the right custom jig for your bass fishing needs is essential for success. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a jig:
a. Jig Weight
The weight of your custom jig will determine how deep it sinks and how fast it reaches the desired depth. For bass in lakes, use:
- 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz jigs for shallow areas (less than 10 feet).
- 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz jigs for deeper areas or when fishing in deeper sections of the lake.
- 1 oz or larger jigs for fishing in deep, fast-moving waters or around heavy cover.
b. Skirt Material and Color
The skirt is a crucial element of the jig, giving it its visual appeal and helping to mimic the movements of prey. The color of the skirt should match the natural prey species in the lake you’re fishing in. Some general color guidelines are:
- Green pumpkin or brown: Ideal for matching the color of crayfish or worms in natural lake environments.
- White, chartreuse, or shad colors: Great for mimicking baitfish in clear water.
- Black and blue: Effective in murky water or when targeting larger bass that are more aggressive.
c. Hook Size and Style
Jigs come with different hook sizes, and choosing the correct one is crucial for ensuring solid hook sets. Larger bass will require larger hooks for a secure bite, while smaller bass or panfish may be more attracted to smaller hooks. Custom jigs allow you to select the right hook size based on the bass species and lake conditions.
d. Jig Shape
Jigs come in various shapes, and the shape impacts how the lure moves in the water. For bass fishing in lakes, common shapes include:
- Football-shaped jigs for rocky bottoms.
- Flipping jigs for fishing in heavy cover like weeds and submerged vegetation.
- Swim jigs for mimicking a swimming action in clear, open water.
4. How to Fish with Custom Jigs for Bass in Lakes
Fishing with custom jigs requires a few specific techniques to be effective. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods used to catch bass with jigs:
a. Flipping and Pitching
Flipping and pitching jigs are perfect for bass fishing in areas with dense cover, such as submerged vegetation, weeds, or trees. The goal is to place the jig as close to the structure as possible and work it back slowly to entice a strike. Here’s how to do it:
- Flip or pitch the jig to a target area near cover.
- Allow the jig to sink to the bottom, then slowly retrieve it with short, steady hops.
- Pause and repeat to make the jig seem like it’s a vulnerable prey item.
b. Dragging
Dragging a custom jig along the bottom is ideal for fishing in deeper waters or on rocky bottoms. This method is perfect for football jigs, as their shape helps them move across the bottom without getting stuck.
- Cast the jig to your desired location.
- Drag it slowly across the bottom by maintaining a steady retrieve. This action mimics a fish or crayfish slowly moving across the lake bed.
- Add occasional pauses to allow the jig to rest and create a more enticing presentation for the bass.
c. Swimming
If you’re fishing in shallow waters with clear visibility, try swimming the jig through the water, creating a swimming motion that mimics small baitfish.
- Cast the jig near the shore or over open water.
- Retrieve the jig quickly, using a steady motion to keep the jig near the surface.
- Occasionally twitch the rod to add some erratic movement and entice bass to strike.
d. Hopping
Hopping is an effective technique when fishing on the bottom of lakes, especially when bass are feeding on small prey like crawfish. The jig is allowed to sink, then it is “hopped” off the bottom in short, quick movements to mimic a prey item that’s trying to escape.
5. Best Times to Fish with Jigs in Lakes
The best time to fish with jigs in lakes depends on several factors, including water temperature, time of day, and the bass’s feeding patterns. Here are some tips for the best times to fish with custom jigs:
a. Early Morning and Late Afternoon
Bass are often more active during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon. During these times, bass are more likely to strike at a jig, especially if it mimics natural prey.
b. Post-Spawn Period
After the spawn, bass are often hungry and more likely to feed aggressively. Fishing with a jig during this time can be very effective, especially as bass are focused on replenishing energy.
c. When Bass Are Close to the Bottom
Bass often stay close to the bottom of the lake, especially when the water temperature is cooler. Using jigs to target bass that are near the lake bottom can yield great results.
6. Conclusion
Custom jig fishing lures are an excellent choice for bass fishing in lakes due to their versatility, effectiveness, and ability to be tailored to local conditions. Whether you’re fishing in shallow, deep, or weedy areas, using the right custom jig can significantly increase your chances of landing bass. By selecting the right weight, color, and shape of the jig, mastering effective fishing techniques, and understanding the best times to fish, you can maximize your success on the water.
To explore our wide range of custom jigs and other fishing lures, visit LureBolt.com today!
Happy fishing!