Swinging Jigs For Summer Bass! (Everything You Need To Know)

This is our FAVORITE technique for catching BIG BASS in late Spring and early Summer! The Swing head jig is overlooked by most anglers but it's still catching a ton of big fish! This technique is easy to do, won't require new gear, and it will work on your lake. It's time to set your old Summer patterns aside, and try something completely different!

The swinging jig is incredibly simple. All you do is pair the free swinging head with your favorite bait, let it hit bottom, and start a moderate retrieve. As you swim it along the bottom the bait will bump along, deflecting off cover, and drawing reaction strikes from the bass. While this technique can be done with swimbaits, worms, and creature baits, our best results have consistently come with creature baits.

When it comes to baits, there are endless options that can be rigged on these heads. However, we've found very specific baits that consistently get bigger bites. Below you'll find links to those exact baits, as well as the heads and gear we use to fish them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FULL SIZE CREATURE BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 4.25: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, TW Dark Junebug, Tilapia


•Zoom Z Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin


•Zman Billy Goat: https://bit.ly/3u4ZT8l

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Black Blue


•Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Colors: Bama Bug, Candy Bug


•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw


SMALL CREATURE BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 3.5: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: 309, Green Pumpkin Blue, TW Dark Junebug


•Yamamoto 3" Yama Craw: https://bit.ly/42VEPoo

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Bama Bug


FAVORITE HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football Head: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Common Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 Hook, 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook


•Xzone Tungsten Swing Football: https://bit.ly/3wYgDpf

Common Sizes: 3/8 oz 3/0, 1/2 oz 5/0


•Gamakatsu Tungsten Hybrid Swing Head: https://bit.ly/3AHXshQ

Sizes: 1/2 – 1 oz


•Owner All Purpose Bait Hook: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Size: 2/0 – 4/0


•Owner Jungle Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Size: 3/0 – 4/0


HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


MID PRICED COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET FRIENDLY COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2aaBBDX


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

How To Make Your Own Finesse Jig! (And Save A Lot Of Money)

Matt is always modifying jigs, but today he's taking it a step further! He's found a football head and skirt combination that are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and they'll save you a lot of money if you put them together yourself! Finesse jigs and micro jigs are taking over bass fishing for good reason, give it a try!

Matt and Tim are always testing new gear, tweaking existing baits, and dialing in their techniques. It should come as no surprise that Matt has been building some jigs along the way! With the boom in the finesse and micro jig categories, prices are constantly moving up. Given how many jigs he loses during a day of fishing, it was time to find a solution. Matt set out to find a cost effective solution, and in doing so, stumbled on a skirt and jighead combination that isn't just cheaper, it catches more fish!

Below you'll find links to the components Matt uses to build this jig, some of his favorite finesse and micro jig trailers, as well as the rod and reel combos the guys use to fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


JIG COMPONENTS...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Cut Replacement Skirt: https://bit.ly/4i3SYpo

Colors: The Go To, Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw


•VMC Finesse Football Jighead: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Preferred Size: 1/4 – 3/8 oz


PREFERRED JIG TRAILERS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Grass Craw


•Zman TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange


•Yamamoto Covert Craw: https://bit.ly/4dgmxBK

Colors: Green Pump Purple Copper, Green Pump Amber Lam


MID PRICED MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


BAIT FINESSE MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


BUDGET MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Seviin GF Series (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

UNDERWATER FOOTAGE OF FINESSE JIGS + BEST JIG TRAILERS!

Come underwater and watch how different baits respond to movement underwater! We throw a ton of compact micro jigs so today we're comparing the best jigs and jig trailers that we've found. Come below the surface into crystal clear water and see if you can find a favorite jig and trailer to help you catch more fish this year!

Downsizing your presentations to get more bites has been the theme for anglers across the country the last few years. As a result, micro jigs continue to gain popularity. Finding the right jig is tough, and understanding when to use different trailers is a whole other issue. Check out how unique each of these jig and trailer combos really are. We hope that a few minutes of underwater footage will help you choose the best choices for your fisheries, as you get a clear look at profile, realism, and movement in a real world setting.

Below you'll find links to the jigs and trailers. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as some of our favorite rods (at different price points) for fishing micro jigs. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE JIGS AND TRAILERS...

•Keitech Tungsten Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•XZone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue


•Keitech Tungsten Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color: Green Pumpkin


•MissileBaits Ike's Micro Football Jig: https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Color: Dill Pickle

•MissileBaits Micro D Bomb: https://bit.ly/4diuUwv

Color: Magic Craw Swirl


•Beast Coast OW Sniper Jig: https://bit.ly/4gFj0yq

Color: Elite Craw

•ZMan Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Color: Green Pumpkin


•Nishine Finesse Cover Jig: https://bit.ly/3EE8w1O

Color: Watermelon Candy

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Color: Green Pumpkin


•Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: https://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Color: Definite Watermelon

•ZMan TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Color: Green Pumpkin


•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Color: Baby Bass

•ZMan Finesse Football Nedz: https://bit.ly/3zYoUZ6

Size: 1/4 oz


ULTRA HIGH END MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Ultima 6'10" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (24 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


ALL AROUND MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET FRIENDLY MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Seviin GF Series (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Jig Modifications: The Tricks That Catch All The Fish!

Take your jig fishing to the next level with these simple hacks! Jigs are a staple technique in bass fishing and these simple tricks will help you catch a lot more fish! From skirt modifications, to trailer tricks, to weed guard changes, these are the tricks that Matt and Tim use to catch fish in the worst conditions around the country!

We've dialed in these jig mods through years of experimentation with jigs, all around the country. The chartreuse trick for murky water, using the exposed hook to catch wary fish, shortening trailers to create a bite sized package; all of these were born from real fishing experiences. If you want to catch more fish, these are the no–nonsense ways to accomplish your goal!

Below you'll find links to all the jigs, jig trailers, and color options Matt discussed in the video. We've also included his favorite rod and reel combos for fishing jigs effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


JIG MOD #1...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Favorite Colors: The Go To, Hematoma


•Netbait 4" Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Black Shadow Flare


JIG MOD #2...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To


•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple


•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Chartreuse Black Flake, Firetiger


JIG Mod #4...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To


•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J


•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black


JIG MOD #5 JIGS...

•Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Colors: The Go To, Hematoma


•Keitech Tungsten Football (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown Purple, Dark Pumpkin


•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J


•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black


FINESSE JIG TRAILERS...

•ZMan TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw


•Damiki 3" Air Craw: https://bit.ly/3AvRsZJ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Magic


•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black


•Reins 3" G Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/3ZWP3o6

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue


HULA GRUBS...

•Yamamoto 5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple

•Gamakatsu Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2CTXHHt

Size: 3/8 oz


•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Green Pumpkin Black

•Great Lakes Finesse Stealth Football: https://bit.ly/4eQjXTb

Size: 3/8 oz


MATT'S FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Model: 7' Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Sunline FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz