The category of jigs and plastics is perhaps the most expansive group of bass lures. It encompasses not only a broad selection of plastic and terminal tackle but also many different associated techniques.Fishing these baits is almost always a slow presentation. This means the fish have plenty of time to study your offering. It is important to throw a bait that is a realistic representation of the local forage. When I am going through the task of selecting a few baits from a plethora, the first thing I take into account is the size, shape and color of the prey species in the lake I'm visiting. I also take into account the seasonal caloric needs of the bass at the time to help determine bait size. If I'm fishing a lake I've already established successful baits on, I usually start with those and begin to experiment if they don't produce. One of the reasons jigs and plastics are so effective is because there is so much room for experimentation. To this day, new techniques and rigs are being developed and given a proven place on the water. Also, because of the diverse amount of options in jigs, rigs and baits we can select something that will provide an effective presentation in nearly every scenario. As an angler, it is important to recognize which technique is needed in a given situation. I could spend all day covering each technique and bait style but there is a lot of information on this stuff out there, I want to cover a few kayak fishing related tips for jigs and plastics. As always, kayak fishing calls for a few adjustments to the traditional methods we use.
POSITION
A drifting kayak can be a headache for an angler trying to slowly work a jig or plastic. This is one of the reasons I love my Hobie kayak. I can pedal to hold position and even make rudder adjustments with one hand while I work the bait. When I used to own a paddle kayak, I would lay the paddle across my lap, occasionally using one hand to make position adjustments with the paddle. The Assault hand paddle also comes in very handy for position tweaks during a retrieve. Tying off or nosing up to the bank also helps in certain situations. Once again, it is better to position correctly so you can make an effective presentation then spending time fishing a bait in an unrealistic fashion. When fishing a shoreline make casts in front of your kayak, whether you are facing the bank or parallel to it. Sometimes, when it is really windy there is not much you can do about drift. In this case, I will feed line to the bait to keep it from moving involuntarily. All the while keeping contact with the line to detect bites until I can engage the spool again. Another very key tactic is use of electronics. This tool allows you to not only find the fish but you can log your position and stay on point, this keeps your bait in the strike zone and allows you to calculate your drift on the water. Position is the number one key to successfully fishing jigs and plastics in a kayak.
HORIZONTAL TIE
When sitting in a kayak, you don't have as much hookset leverage. This is especially true on long casts. If I'm making long casts with a jig, I prefer a horizontal line tie as it helps turn the hook in the fish's mouth and get better penetration. This all has to do with the angle you are setting the hook at. When possible, I will fish from a standing position. If I'm fishing shallow cover like rip rap, I like to use light round ball jig heads as they seem to slide over things the best for me. It is often hard with the movement of a kayak to effectively work a jig through rock, this is why I like very light jigs for this. Even if a gust of wind or a wake pushes your kayak sideways there is a less chance of light jig slipping into a crevice and hanging up. On the other hand, in deeper water I like a heavy jig that keeps me in contact with the bottom, once again aiding in the natural challenges fishing from a kayak presents.When I'm kayak fishing I like to offer a vertical presentation whenever possible because of the leverage I gain. A drop-shot, power-shot or even a jig works great on everything from brush piles in a few feet of water to offshore ledges in 35 feet. Water clarity often dictates when you fish vertical in shallow water but don't underestimate the sneakiness of a kayak.
BE SENSITIVE
The one thing every good jig and plastic fisherman knows is how the bite feels. It is an acquired skill. This type of fishing requires attention to every detail, sometimes the bite is a twitch in the line, sometimes it is a weightless feeling on your line, other times it is a subtle tap that is easier to recognize. Generally speaking, a bass will swim up to your bait, examine it and then it flare its gills and suck in the bait. In this critical moment, the angler must detect the bite, pick up the slack line and slam the hook home. Being a sensitive angler starts with very a sensitive rod that will report everything from the movement of your bait, to bottom composition, to a subtle bite. There is a rod out there for each technique but sensitivity is the key. This is an area where I will spend whatever I need to get the perfect rod. Anglers would be surprised how many fish bite that they don't even feel because of the rod they use. Sensitivity also comes into play with the line you use and even the bait. If you can't feel the bite you are simply shooting arrows in the dark.
CONFIDENCE
Jigs and plastics are some of the most dangerous and versatile tools of bass destruction in your arsenal. Of all the types of baits out there, these baits can actually be some of the most effectively fished baits from the kayak. They have won many tournaments and are an absolute staple of the serious tournament angler. If you have no confidence then keep trying and keep experimenting. Fish the bait confidently, have patience and seek advice. It all starts to make sense pretty quickly. Let the fish tell you what they want and don't want. Follow the suggestions above and you will be able to narrow down your choices and find a winning technique. As I've said before the best anglers are the most well rounded. Everything from finesse plastics to heavy football jigs has its time and place. It's your job to go fishing and figure out what, how and where jigs and plastics work for your fish.
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