Tips for Fly Fishing Jigs

Effective Retrieves

Fishing a jig with a fly rod will come natural to many fly fishermen because the best methods and retrieves are subtle. Fly fishermen are often working to keep their flies drifting or sinking drag-free, and this works well with a jig also. Most of the time, fish will hit a jig while it is on the fall rather than when it is rising on the retrieve. Cast a jig out and allow it to settle before starting the retrieve. Give the rod tip a bounce or jiggle occasionally while you strip the jig in slowly, and keep it working near the bottom. Retrieving a jig quickly is not usually effective.

Reading the Strike

Since fish like to hit the jig on the descent, it can sometimes be difficult to detect the strike. Watch the end of your line carefully at the point where it enters the water. Look for any hesitation, change in direction or twitch. You may also want to use a strike indicator tied on to the line near the top of the leader. Many of those that are made from a poly-yarn are sensitive and will signal the slightest tug on the line. If you think you may have just missed a strike, use the countdown method after you cast. Begin counting "one thousand one, one thousand two," once your jig hits the water. Take note of the count when you think you may have had a strike. Cast again and set the hook one count earlier this time, because you were probably a tad late the first time. You will be surprised how often this works. It is because fish are often keyed in to feeding at a particular depth.

Setting the Hook

Since the jig has such a great record for attracting fish, you will need to know what to do when you get that strike. Try using a different method of setting the hook with jigs. Using what is called a sweep set will usually result in a better hook set than simply jerking the rod tip up or back. When you detect a strike, move the rod tip smoothly away from the fish until you feel the pressure from the fish. Then speed up the sweep of the rod against the pressure from the fish, and the hook will set better into the fish's mouth.