Key Takeaways
- Skipping a jig under low-hanging cover is a great method for getting bait into challenging locations where big bass might be.
- To skip a jig, you need the right gear setup, including a 7′ heavy action rod, a high-speed reel with at least a 7:1 gear ratio, and 20 lb fluorocarbon line.
- Choose a bait that will enable you to execute a successful long skip, such as a jig with a smooth head, like arkies.
- To skip a jig, hold the rod at a 45-degree angle, reel up the slack line, and flick your wrist to make the jig skip across the surface of the water.
- Practicing skipping a jig is critical to mastering the technique and improving your chances of catching big bass in hard-to-reach locations.
How to Skip a Jig: Jig Skipping 101
A great method for getting bait into challenging locations is to learn how to skip a jig. Big bass is known to enjoy relaxing in dense cover, and occasionally skipping is the only way to get a bait in front of them. You can get your bait in front of the fish that most anglers will never be able to reach by learning how to skip. Despite this, most anglers don’t find these locations because skipping is difficult. Gavin, the intern, gave us some excellent advice on how to streamline the procedure.
Starting Off Skipping A Jig
To begin with, you must prepare properly in order to get the most out of skipping a bait. Gavin tells us to start with your setup, which consists of a 7′ heavy action rod, a high-speed reel, and a 20 lb fluorocarbon line. A hefty action rod gives you the stability for strong hooksets and enables you to wrestle a fish out of cover. To immediately remove the bass from the cover they were in before they had a chance to entangle you around beams and logs, pair this with a high-speed reel that has at least a 7:1 gear ratio. When you combine the rig with 20 lb fluorocarbon, you have a lethal combination for skipping baits.
How To Skip A Jig: Getting Geared Up
After getting ready, you must choose a bait that will enable you to execute a successful long skip. To smoothly glide over the water, you’ll need a jig with a smooth head. The best jigs for this are usually Arkies, though you can also find jigs with heads made especially for skipping. Take Gavin’s suggestion and skip with a jig that is 3/8 to 12 an ounce because you don’t want bait that is too light or too heavy. Your ability to skip it may also depend on the trailer you include in your jig. After preparing, you need to select a bait that will help you carry out a successful long skip. You’ll require a jig with a smooth head to glide over the water without any difficulty. Although there are jigs with heads designed specifically for skipping, Arkies are typically the finest jigs for this purpose. You don’t want bait that is too light or too heavy, so take Gavin’s advice and skip with a jig that is 3/8 to 12 an ounce. The trailer you include in your jig might affect your ability to skip it.
Setting Yourself Up To Skip A Jig
The casting process comes next. In order to avoid your bait moving too quickly and catching a bird’s nest easily, set your bait caster for a leisurely fall. For the cast itself, you have two possibilities. A sidearm or swing cast would be the most typical. In this instance, casting the bait is done similarly to skipping a rock. The alternate choice is to skip a pitch. This is the more difficult choice, and it takes a little more skill to carry it off. To keep the bait skipping for a longer period of time, you should raise the tip of your rod as it crosses the water. It’s crucial to practice both techniques frequently. To be able to consistently skip a jig, you will need to practice a lot. Also, remember that skipping does not require a strong cast. Casting that is smooth will be much more successful.
How To Skip A Jig: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Spend some time learning and honing these techniques before your next fishing trip to increase your casting skills. Don’t give up if you encounter resistance; persevere; the effort will pay off in the end. In order to avoid becoming hung up, it is essential to practice skipping on open water. When you get the hang of it, don’t be scared to cast into areas where there is a lot to get tangled up in because that is where the fish are. You will see more and more bass in the boat if you can begin skipping consistently.
updated at 10:04 AM CT on July 31st, 2019
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Skipping Jig – V&M Baits Tackle
Cliff Pace, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Champion, created the Pacemaker Skipping Jig, which features a broad head shape that enables you to skip through and beneath the cover. The bait is more effective in cover with the jig’s larger weed shield and unique oversized 30-degree hook, which allow for better hook sets.
Skipping Jig – V&M Baits Tackle
The Pacemaker Skipping Jig, created by the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Champion Cliff Pace, features a broad head shape that enables you to skip into and underneath the cover. A larger weed guard and oversized bespoke 30-degree hook on the jig assist the bait to work better in cover and enable better hook settings.
