Jig fishing is an extremely versatile and effective fishing method for perch, zander, and pike.
When fishing for perch or zander with a jig, you need a light, resilient rod that can cast far with light lures. At the same time, you should feel the slightest nibble and be able to hook quickly. Jig rods are developed and optimized for jig fishing primarily for perch but can obviously be used for all lighter spin fishing. Jig rods are usually 7-8 feet long and are available for both spinning and baitcasting reels. If it's about jig fishing for pike, a normal pike rod usually works perfectly.
Length of lure (grouping) Indicates the range within which the lure’s length falls.
Jig head size
What size jig head with hook should I use?
Here’s a simple guide for those wondering which jig heads with hooks fit which jig lengths. What determines the jig head to use is the hook size, as it decides where on the jig body the hook exits. Then you can choose different weights for the jig head depending on how deep you want the jig to go, or shapes that suit different fishing methods better.
There are also other types of jig heads without hooks, called 'Screw-In-Heads,' often used in pike fishing, where the smallest sizes fit jigs from about 13-14 cm and up.
Hook size
Jig length
1/0
approx. 3 to 5 cm
2/0
approx. 4 to 6 cm
3/0
approx. 6 to 7 cm
4/0
approx. 8 to 9 cm
5/0
approx. 9 to 11 cm
6/0
approx. 11 to 14 cm
7/0
approx. 12 to 14 cm
8/0
approx. 14 to 18 cm
10/0
approx. 18 to 24 cm
12/0
approx. 25 to 30 cm
Fishing depth (grouping)
Hook size (multi)
Hook size is denoted by a number. The higher the number, the smaller the hook. Size 30 is a tiny hook, 4 is significantly larger. If there’s a zero after, e.g., 2/0, it’s even bigger. The higher the number before the zero, the larger the hook. We have a range from the smallest hook, size 30, to our largest, 18/0.
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Weight group
Here, we’ve chosen to divide the lures into different weight groups, just as we’ve categorized rods into casting weight groups, to make it easier for you in this jungle.
Ultra-light includes the very lightest lures, often weighing just a few grams.
Light includes many of the lures used for perch fishing with smaller soft baits, small crankbaits, and spinners.
Light - Medium and Medium contain most common lures in the mid-weight class - spoons, crankbaits, spinners, and other lures intended for everything from sea trout to lighter pike fishing.
Heavy is a common measure for pike fishing.
Extra heavy and Super heavy include lures for, e.g., saltwater fishing and heavier pike fishing.
Fish species
Here, we’ve categorized the products based on which fish you want to hook. We’ve relied on what manufacturers specify, but also on experience of what usually works. The list could almost be endless, and many things work for more species than we’ve listed, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Jig fishing is one of the most common methods for catching perch and pike-perch. There are many specialized jigging techniques, but the most popular approach involves fishing with a rubber lure, or jig, rigged with a jig hook near the bottom. Since the jig hook points upwards, it allows for fishing close to the bottom without getting snagged.
Jig fishing is highly effective when fish are bottom-oriented and not very active. In such situations, a slowly retrieved jig presented near the bottom can be the key to triggering bites.
Equipment for Jig Fishing
Jig rods typically have a tip action with a sensitive tip and a strong backbone, allowing the angler to feel subtle bites while still having the strength to hook large perch and pike-perch. Jig rods come in both spinning and baitcasting models and are often around 7 feet long for optimal control and casting distance.
When it comes to reels, a spinning reel in size 1000-2500 or a low-profile baitcasting reel is commonly used. A braided mainline provides excellent sensitivity, ensuring that even the lightest bites are detected. To reduce visibility in clear water, many anglers use a fluorocarbon leader.
Jigs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes, making it easy to adapt to different conditions. Some of the most popular jigging techniques include dropshot, Carolina rig, and Texas rig, all of which offer different presentations to entice cautious fish.
Jig fishing is a versatile and exciting method that suits both beginners and experienced anglers. By experimenting with different retrieves and jig types, you can significantly improve your success rate and catch more fish.
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