Winter Finesse Jigs Patterns & Techniques

Finesse jigs are bite-sized versions of their bigger brothers and tend to excel when conditions are tough, or the fishery is subject to pressure from a lot of anglers. While finesse jigs are responsible for hauling limits into boats year-round, the winter months may be when they play their most vital role. As the water temps drop and the bite slows down, dragging a craw imitating jig past a lethargic bass’ nose may be the only way to trick them into capitalizing on an easy meal and save you from going home skunked.

A majority of finesse jigs rely on lighter wire hooks, and as a result you generally want a lighter rod that does not exert unnecessary pressure on big fish, possibly bending out your hook. Utilize a Medium Heavy rod with a Moderate bend and a Fast or even Extra Fast tip. You need enough backbone to control a surging bass on lighter hooks, yet a soft enough tip to launch the small finesse-style jigs a long way. For length, lean towards a rod on the longer side, in the 7’2” – 7’6” range, to help move more line during a deep-water hookset.

Speed is generally one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing a reel for fishing finesse jigs. Spool up a reel that holds at least 100 yards of 12lb line and ideally sports a ratio of 7.3:1 – 8.1:1. This gives you the ability to pick up slack line in an instant for rock-solid hooksets. Some anglers also prefer a semi-shallow spool to aid in making long casts with light jigs.

Fluorocarbon line in the 12-16lb range suits this technique perfectly. When fishing open, clear or pressured waters, opt for the lighter end of the spectrum to maximize bites and casting distance, while you’ll need slightly heavier line when fishing around cover. If conditions obligate you to fish really deep, or hooksets seem to be a challenge, a change to a braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader will help increase your sensitivity and minimize line stretch for improved hooksets.

There are endless types of jig head styles available in finesse jigs. Starting with a football or ballhead style head is a smart choice as they can crawl over most cover without snagging. Since you will be using a somewhat lighter line and softer rod, finding the proper weedguard is also paramount - too thin and you’ll be hanging up regularly; too thick and you will have difficulty with penetration on the hookset.

The most modified component to this technique is the trailer. Flapping craw style trailers excel in the beginning of winter while the water temperatures are still in the mid-50’s and bass are a bit more willing to pursue an active crawfish. Once things start to really cool off, and water temps dip into the low 50’s and 40’s, it is time to slide on the chunk or grub style plastics with their subtle action and slower rate of fall.

You’ll want to slow down your presentation to match the lethargic attitude fish adopt during winter, so work your jig with slow drags and the occasional hop. For a more finesse approach, trim back the skirting material to reduce bulk and not impede the action of your trailer. Since this technique calls for lighter line than most jig applications, check your line and knots frequently for evidence of abrasion and re-tie accordingly.

A great knot for securing your finesse jig to the end of your line is the time-tested Palomar Knot. For a great tutorial on the Palomar knot make sure to check out our How to Tie a Palomar Knot video.

Matching the jig’s skirt and trailer to your water clarity and forage base is essential. Start with natural patterns such as green pumpkin variations for clear water and black blue combinations for stained or murky conditions. Jazz up your presentation with color accents from your preferred colored scents, which not only make your trailer visually pop, but it also encourages bass to hang on to your jig longer, increasing your opportunity to get a hook in them.

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