Try These Steps For Deep Water Bass Jigging

Deep water jigging for bass in Texas lakes is a thrilling and effective technique that requires both knowledge and skill. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler looking to expand your repertoire, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully deep water jig for bass in the Lone Star State.

1. Choose the Right Equipment:

• Rod and Reel: Select a heavy-duty jigging rod paired with a low-profile baitcasting reel. A rod with a fast or extra-fast action tip is ideal for sensitivity.
• Line: Use braided line for its strength and sensitivity. A 20-30lb test braided line is suitable for most deep water jigging situations.
• Leader: Add a fluorocarbon leader of about 12-15lb test to provide some invisibility to the fish in the clear waters.
• Jigs: Opt for football-head jigs with a bulky, twin-tailed grub trailer. Dark-colored jigs often work well in Texas waters, mimicking crawfish.

2. Locate the Prime Fishing Spots:

• Invest in a quality fishfinder to identify submerged structures, drop-offs, and underwater vegetation. These are favorite hangouts for bass.

3. Prepare Your Jigging Technique:

• Jigging is all about subtlety. Cast your line and let your jig sink to the lakebed.
• Once it hits the bottom, begin your retrieve. A popular jigging technique is to lift the rod tip slightly and then let it drop, mimicking the movement of wounded prey like crawfish.
• Maintain a steady, slow retrieve. Pay attention to your line; often, you’ll feel a distinct “thump” when a bass strikes.

4. Stay Patient and Observant:

• Deep water jigging can require patience. Be prepared to work an area thoroughly, experimenting with different depths and jigging techniques until you find what the bass prefer on that particular day.

5. Setting the Hook and Landing the Bass:

• When you feel a strike, maintain focus and composure. Quickly set the hook with a firm, but not excessive, hookset.
• Once hooked, be prepared for a fight. Bass in deep water can be especially strong. Keep your rod tip up and maintain steady pressure on the fish.
• Gradually work the bass towards the surface, taking your time to tire it out.

6. Catch and Release Ethically:

• If the bass meets legal size and bag limits, you can keep it. However, consider catch and release for the larger, trophy-sized fish to help conserve the population.

7. Enjoy the Experience:

• Deep water jigging is not just about the catch; it’s about connecting with nature and enjoying the thrill of the chase. Take in the beauty of Texas lakes and appreciate the unique challenge this technique offers.

By following these steps and practicing your deep water jigging technique, you can increase your chances of landing trophy bass in the deep, clear waters of Texas lakes. Remember that each day on the water is a new opportunity to learn and improve your skills, and the journey itself is as rewarding as the catch.