The Perfect Jig
By Andrew Ragas The jig is one of the most storied and historical pieces of tackle in modern day fishing. Its origins can be traced back to the early Polynesians and European anglers (Norwegians) who lived off Earth’s waters as hunter gatherers, using them as fish hunting tools. The first jigs in fishing were simply concocted from metals and rock based weights with hooks attached. Because they’ve been used as survival tools for hundreds of years, the effectiveness of jig fishing cannot ever be questioned or placed in doubt. Centuries later, not much with this time tested tactic has changed, other than the fact the sport of fishing has been reinvented and modernized by several manufacturers who specialize in jig manufacturing. As an avid smallmouth bass angler, I’ve learned that every jig in existence is a solution to a problem on the water. The perfect jig’s goal is to break the boundaries of environments, and crack the behavioral shells of fish. In every jig fishing situation presented before me, I’m looking for a jig that’s best for every presentation in my bag of tricks Jigs are designed to fall fast or slow, swim horizontally or vertically, and perform