Thread: Jigs under a float

How many of you guys that fish from shore like to use a jig under a float? I use the small trout magnet floats and after I cast just give a light twitch, let it settle, twitch again as I'm slowly reeling back to shore. Seems I have better luck as I have a hard time keeping jigs at "fish depth" just by casting and reeling. Am I wrong in doing this or is there a better way when fishing from the bank.( We don't own a boat.)

That is a perfectly acceptable way. If the fish are relating to a depth from the top, a float is the best way. If they're relating to a distance from the bottom, then a drop shot could be a better method.

If you are trying to keep the jig mostly still, try maribou. It looks like a wet dog out of the water and when moving, but when holding still, the fibers/feathers fluff out and look like they're "breathing". If you apply a juice or sauce of any kind, apply it near the head, not on the feathers that "poof". That stuff will kill the action of maribou.

We normally fish in ponds/small rivers under 10' in depth. If I'm fishing any bigger lakes I'm with a buddy in a boat. We have had good luck though on "bigger" lakes with this method fishing parallel to shore. I like using floats but sometimes feel like its a kid thing when I'm using them! I just didn't know if there was a better or preferred method. I'm not real new to fishing but most stuff, especially bluegill, has been learn on my own.

Originally Posted by Jakesdad

I like using floats but sometimes feel like its a kid thing when I'm using them!

I'm 50 years old and will NEVER grow tired of seeing a float go under! lol

If it works for you then it’s fine. If not I would say change....lol. Whatever works and how you prefer to fish is up to each individual. I haven’t used many floats for crappie but it is very fun watching that float jump then go under.

I dispense with the twitching and just reel very slowly. Between the bobber’s tendency to weave slowly side-to-side and whatever wave action there is it seems to work most days.

I am firmly in the "no jig and float" camp. I can think of no good reasons to do it and several reasons to not do it. YMMV

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

I am firmly in the "no jig and float" camp. I can think of no good reasons to do it and several reasons to not do it. YMMV

Could you elaborate on that a little more? Not trying to be a smart aleck but would like to hear both pros and cons

Originally Posted by Jakesdad

Could you elaborate on that a little more? Not trying to be a smart aleck but would like to hear both pros and cons

Reason people use a float with a jig (from what I've read over the years):

1) Float adds casting distance.

2) Float keeps bait at constant depth.

Regarding #1, I think using lighter gear (particularly lighter line) is a better way to get more casting distance. I use UL rods and 2-3# line and get plenty of casting distance.

Regarding #2, I think just reeling at a constant rate of speed does a great job of keeping the jig at the same depth.


Reasons to NOT use a float with a jig:

1) Most floats sold in the US are terrible at indicating bites. I threw my American floats in the trash ages ago and have been using the Euro floats (with bait) ever since.

2) When you use a float, you are intentionally putting slack in your line. That's almost never a good idea. Among other things, it makes setting the hook more difficult.

3) People most often use a float and jig in shallow water. The float can make a large splash when it hits the water and can scare fish.

4) The float keeps the bait at a constant depth. Without a float, I can vary the depth on the same retrieve. I can stop reeling and let the jig fall. I can lift the rod tip and bring the jig higher in the water column. You can't do that if you're using a float. You're stuck at the same depth.

5) Have you ever seen a bass pro fish a float with a jig or a spinnerbait? No, they just reel constantly to keep the bait at the same depth. They're fishing a moving bait for predatory fish -- just like us. Why should we fish differently?

6) I want as little “stuff” on my line as possible. A simple jig tied to the end of line works amazingly well.

There is one pro that seems to be ignored... you can keep the bait in one spot longer. Without a float, you cast to your target, reel back a certain distance, and a lot of people are then out of their "target area" and burn it back in, cast and repeat.