Finesse Jigs - Catch More AND Larger Bass

Finesse jigs were originally designed with a simple ballhead, or small profile head and feature a smaller "cut back" or "collared" skirt. Finesse jigs will perform on any body of water, but are really effective for highly pressured lakes or rivers. Typically finesse jigs will perform better in clearer bodies of water than muddy.

In this article Bass Fishing Hub will take a deep dive into the wonderful hidden world of finesse jigs. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this article!

All anglers have their personal preference when it comes to the best color finesse jig to throw. Most of the time colors of jigs are selected by either the clarity of the water, or by the forage that the jig is trying to mimic. Depending of the fish are feeding on bluegills, shad or crawfish will also help select which color finesse jig to tie on.

Don't be afraid to go against the grain as well, experiment with different colors if you feel like the bite has slowed.

Here is a simple list of what colors we find works best...

• Clear Water - Green Pumpkin & Orange, Watermelon
• Stained Water - Black/Blue & Green Pumpkin/Blue
• Muddy Water - Black/Blue, Black/Chartreuse, Black/Red
• Shad Forage Imitation - White, White/Silver
• Crawfish Imitation - Green Pumpkin/Orange

Finesse jigs come in sizes ranging from 3/16 to 7/16 ounces, and choosing the correct size to start throwing can be a tough decision to make. All of us at Bass Fishing Hub choose our finesse jig weight based upon the season we are fishing.

The lighter the jig the slower the fall thru the water column. Lighter jigs typically work best when water temps are colder, especially during the winter and early spring time. Make sure that you watch your line, since most of the strikes will come as the jig is falling.

When the water starts to warm up over 60 degrees we begin to throw jigs which are 5/16 ounces in weight. This is actually our preferred weight to throw. Jigs of this weight are easier to cast, and easier to feel the bite.

During the heat of the summer we find that the heavier the jog the more bites we receive. Occasionally, we will use finesse jigs up to 1 ounce in size. This is to draw a reaction bite from a fast falling jig. Often times we will hop the jig pretty hard off the bottom.

As always experimentation will tell you what size jig to use, but use the table below for a reference.

• 40-60 degree water - 3/16 ounce jigs
• 60-80 degree water - 5/16 ounce jigs
• 80+ degree water - 7/16 - 1 ounce jigs

Choosing the correct trailer for a finesse jig can be the difference between having a great day of fishing and going home skunked.

The main thing to realize when choosing a trailer for a finesse jig is not to choose a bulky trailer which will hurt the action of the finesse jig. If I were to choose my favorite trailer it would without a doubt be the Strike King Rage Chunk. Day in and day out this little trailer simply catches fish.  

The other trailer that I have a ton of luck with is the Paca Chunk. One of the benefits of the Paca Trailer is that they come in a huge selection of colors. The Paca chunks are also very affordable!

Bass Fishing Hub stocks a multitude of colors and styles of Jig Trailers, feel free to shop them here.

Finesse jig fishing is a very productive method of catching bass in any season, and most importantly they are a great bait to throw in high pressured lakes. I hope that you choose to purchase some finesse jigs and master the technique. You will not be disappointed, you may just catch your personal best lunker!

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