Jigging vs. Rigging

[EricCO]

Let's say your fishing a spot that would allow both presentations ie. not snaggy or weedy.

When would you want to go with one over the other? Why?

[Dude]

When it comes down to it, it's a matter of personal preference. Use the one you feel more comfortable with. Jigs excell at presenting a bait in an exact spot. Rigs have the advantage of being more of a finess presentation.

[Fin Addict]

If a jig will work, that is my preference. However, for very finicky fish rigs produce more for me. On those days I go w/ 10-12' leaders of 4-6 lb test and a single bead ahead of the hook. Rigs are also nice if the fish want the extra flash of a spinner or for suspended fish a floater works nice. With heavier weights, a rig w/ a spinner makes a nice searching rig. Once on a concentration of fish I will generally switch to a jig for more precision. I also prefer jigs because you almost never have a fish swallow the hook as in rigging, as such I think they are a better C&R option. They are also a lot easier to tie on!!!

[John in MN]

I would always start with the jig. If the fish are agressive and willing to bite a jig, you can catch fish faster. When you get a bite, you set the hook (for me this is one of the most fun things in fishing, setting the hook when jigging). You don't have to wait or give the fish line like you do when you're rigging. But if the fish won't hit the jig, then I'll switch to rigging and many times they will hit this slower presentation.

[ufda]

If shallow and I can cast, I can cover much more territory with a jig. Also if the water is very deep and I am trying to fish vertically, again a jig. If fishing is tough and I am in mid-depth I will go with a rig.
IMNSHO

"The optomist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds and the pessimist is afraid this is true."

ufda

[GORD]

Given the choice of rigging or jigging, I'll almost always choose rigging. Rigging has so many options.. one of which is putting a piece of split shot next to any hook of your choice.