Bottom Jig: The Secret Technique for Predators
Bottom jig fishing is an extremely effective technique, still little known in Italy. This method, based on the use of silicone baits that crawl or hop on the seabed, imitates the natural behavior of prey such as small forage fish and shrimp. In this article, we will explore the advantages of bottom jigging, the best baits to use and some practical advice to get the most out of this technique.
Why Choose the Bottom Jig?
The bottom jig is a versatile technique and suitable for many situations, especially when the fish are close to the bottom. Some of the main advantages include:
- Mimics natural prey: Shrimp and small fish that move along the bottom are a primary food source for many predators.
- Suitable for different environmental conditions: it works well in both clear and turbid waters, thanks to the vibrations and realistic movements of the bait, in salt and fresh water.
- Great for fishing in submerged structures: the bottom jig, with an offset setup, allows you to explore areas full of obstacles such as rocks, logs and vegetation without getting easily tangled.
- Increase the water covered: although predators often stay on the bottom, this is not always adequately explored. A linear recovery for example, tending to give the bait a trajectory that rises towards the surface, will be ineffective if it does not manage to enter the strike zone of our prey. If our bait works at 50 cm below the surface of the water, a fish that stays on a bottom of three/four meters will hardly come up to attack it.
- Let's explore the bottom: unless we fish with a depth sounder or are in completely clear water, we rarely know what the bottom is like. The bottom jig allows us to probe the bottom in search of obstacles, variations in depth and bottom, holes, etc. With the bait in constant contact with the bottom, we will learn to distinguish the strokes that the rod transmits when we hit structures, to recognize the variations in fall times that indicate steps and holes on the bottom, to avoid the muddy bottom and look for the hard one.
How to Use the Bottom Jig
To get the best results, it is essential to choose the right approach based on the type of seabed and the behavior of the fish. First we cast the kitara and wait for it to reach the seabed. It is important to select the right weight of the Cheburashka to ensure that the bait is not dragged away by the current. A practical example: the Arno river in Pisa has an average depth of 3 meters and a slow current, with 8/10 grams we will have a fall time of about eight/ten seconds.
- Step or saw recovery: with this recovery we move the bait with the help of the reel only. We give two or three quick turns of the reel to make the Kitara jump forward and wait for it to fall to the bottom and repeat for the entire recovery. The fall time you should try to obtain for these jumps is one/two seconds. The Americans obtain the same result by combining the movement of the rod with the recovery of the reel.
- Slow Drag: ideal for cold water conditions, this technique requires a very slow and constant recovery to keep the jig in contact with the bottom.
- Stall & Shake: perfect for apathetic fish, it consists of leaving the jig still for a few seconds, adding light vibrations with the tip of the rod.
Tips to Maximize Your Catches
- Use a fluorocarbon leader to increase sensitivity and abrasion resistance.
- Fast and extra fast action rods are ideal for maintaining contact with the bait and increasing sensitivity.
- Alternate your retrieve speed and pattern to see what the fish prefer.
- Look for submerged structures and depth changes – they often host waiting predators!
- Experiment with colors based on water visibility: natural colors in clear water and bright hues in murky conditions.
Conclusion
The bottom jig technique is one of the most productive strategies for those who want to attack large predators in fresh and salt water. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can increase your catches and make your fishing sessions even more exciting.