Snap/Rip jigging questions for spring

[codeblue]

Drifting or trolling on a 6 to 12' flat in a fairly clear lake in the springtime, how much line is let out? Or better yet----how does one not spook the fish with the boat that shallow when using this technique.

Used only on windy days?

Also do most use live bait in addition to the jig? Seems a guy would be losing the minnow quite often unless it was rigged very good.

Anyways thanks in advance. I would like to try this a bit here in Minnesota this early spring and just want to make sure i am not missing anything......

[Mille Lacs Guy]

Originally Posted by codeblue

Drifting or trolling on a 6 to 12' flat in a fairly clear lake in the springtime, how much line is let out? Or better yet----how does one not spook the fish with the boat that shallow when using this technique.

Used only on windy days?

Also do most use live bait in addition to the jig? Seems a guy would be losing the minnow quite often unless it was rigged very good.

Anyways thanks in advance. I would like to try this a bit here in Minnesota this early spring and just want to make sure i am not missing anything......

I snap jig on Winnibigoshish on Minnesota every spring. I cast my line back maybe 40 to 50 feet, about two boat lengths and that seems to work for me. I have success snap jigging in calm or rough water it doesn't seem to matter. When it is calm I often do more dragging of the jig then ripping or snapping but it just depends on what the fish want, I try a little of everything. I haven't had issues with spooking fish if I cast back a couple of boat lengths. If it's windy I'll even troll with my big motor and that doesn't seem to matter. If it's calm I'll you an electric trolling motor.

I use a shiner minnow and hook it from under the mouth right up through the head. I don't lose a lot unless I miss a fish and it takes it.

The key to this presentation is trying various jigging styles until you find one that they like. I start aggressive and move to more subtle tactics as necessary.

[ffishman]

I most always use live bait when I jig. When I am drifting, I use the lightest jig I can get away with, and still feel the bottom.

[codeblue]

Originally Posted by Mille Lacs Guy

I snap jig on Winnibigoshish on Minnesota every spring. I cast my line back maybe 40 to 50 feet, about two boat lengths and that seems to work for me. I have success snap jigging in calm or rough water doesn't seem to matter. When it is calm I often to more dragging of the jig then ripping or snapping but it doesn't depends on what the fish want, I try a little of everything. I haven't had issues with spooking fish if I cast back a couple of boat lengths. If it's windy I'll even troll with my big motor and that doesn't seem to matter. If it's calm I'll you an electric trolling motor.

I use a shiner minnow and how it from under the mouth right up through the head. I don't lose a lot unless I miss a fish and it takes it.

The key to this presentation is trying various jigging styles until you find one that they like. I start aggressive and move to more subtle tactics as necessary.

Thank you that answers my question(s) exactly.

[duckbutter]

I believe the key when fishing in clear waters is to get your jig, like stated above, two boat lengths or more away from the boat. The lake I fish has gotten very clear due to the zebra mussels, and if I don't get the jig twenty or thirty feet away from the boat, the number of walleyes decreases dramatically. You will still get pike and bass bites, but for me, the walleye bite now never occurs near the boat in shallow water.

[codeblue]

Also, another quick question somewhat related-----how long do you give colors---on like a twister tail body or jig head before you change it in the springtime or anytime really? I usually stick with something for about 45 min. but, this year I am going to shave it in half if it is not working to see if it makes a difference.

[duckbutter]

I think the bigger question when in shallow water is to know whether or not you are on fish. You won't likely mark any on your electronics, except occasionally when you are drifting and real quiet. I try trolling an area with planer boards spread out with minnow type baits with the boards spread out quite a ways from the boat to determine if there are any fish in a given area. Once I find the fish, then I will start drifting or pitchin jigs. For me, color usually is not as important as your presentation. Use as light a jig as you can given the conditions you are fishing in (wind, depth, boat speed) and once you have determined how light a jig you can use, try different jigging techniques; ie dragging, snap jigging, lift & drop, etc until the fish tell you what presentation they want. Once you get to that point, I will start experimenting with different color jigs. I almost exclusively fish with live bait--minnows in the spring and fall, and crawlers and/or leeches in the warmer water. Tight lines, and good luck.

[codeblue]

How true---one must find the fish first in order to refine the technique!