Ever found yourself on the water, wondering why the fish aren’t biting even though you’re using all the right lures? The secret might be in how you use custom jigs and spins. Understanding their unique benefits can be the game-changer you need.
This article explores how custom jigs and spins can attract more fish and improve your catch rate. We’ll walk you through how to use them effectively, offer practical tips, and share insights that make fishing more rewarding.
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How Do Custom Jigs and Spins Work?
Custom Jigs & Spins are specialized fishing lures designed to improve your chances of catching fish, whether you’re ice fishing or casting in open water. These jigs and spinning baits are crafted with unique shapes, vibrant colors, and materials that mimic natural prey. Their primary function is to attract fish by creating realistic movements and flashes, convincing the fish that what they see is food.
Key Aspects of Custom Jigs and Spins
Fishing jigs and spins aren’t just ordinary bait. Here’s what makes these custom lures special:
- Variety of Designs: Options like the Ratfinkee, Gill Pill, Flu Flu Jig, and B3 Blade Bait each excel in different situations and for different species.
- High-Quality Materials: Durable paint, strong hooks, and enhancements like glow finishes or feather tails.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of fish species, from panfish to walleye, and different water conditions (cold, warm, clear, or murky).
- Lifelike Movement: Crafted to move enticingly in the water, mimicking insects, minnows, or wounded prey.
Let’s break down how to effectively use these jigs and spins, the benefits they offer, and how to get the best value.
Steps to Fish with Custom Jigs and Spins
- Choose the Right Jig or Spin for Your Target Fish
Consider these factors:
– Water depth and clarity
– Type of fish (e.g., crappie, perch, walleye)
– Season: Some lures, like the Ratfinkee, excel for ice fishing, while blade baits might be better for open water.
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Rigging Your Jig
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Attach the jig securely to your fishing line using a strong knot (like the improved clinch or loop knot for better movement).
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Add bait: You can use live bait (worms, minnows) or soft plastics for added attraction.
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Presentation and Retrieval
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Vertical Jigging: Lower the jig to the desired depth and use short, sharp lifts of the rod to make it dance.
- Casting and Retrieving: Cast out, let the jig sink, and retrieve with a series of lifts, pauses, and twitches.
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Blades and Spins: Use steady or erratic retrieves to activate flash and vibration, simulating a fleeing baitfish.
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Adapting to Conditions
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In low light or murky water, try glow or high-visibility colors.
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Downsize for finicky fish or in pressured areas; upsize for big, aggressive predators.
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Setting the Hook
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Watch for subtle hits—especially with ice fishing. Fish often inhale jigs gently.
- Use a quick upward motion to set the hook when you feel resistance or see your line twitch.
Benefits of Using Custom Jigs and Spins
- Increased Success Rate: Their realistic action and vibrant finishes consistently attract more bites.
- Durability: Custom jigs are built to withstand repeated use and rugged conditions.
- Customization: Wide selection lets you match local forage, fish preferences, and water clarity.
- All-Season Use: From ice-covered lakes to open rivers, there’s a jig or spin for every scenario.
- Fun and Addictive: Experimenting with patterns and techniques is engaging and often leads to better catch rates.
Challenges and Solutions
- Choosing the Right Jig: The variety can be overwhelming.
- Tip: Start with a basic kit or seek advice from experienced anglers targeting your species.
- Losing Jigs: Snags and break-offs are common.
- Solution: Use proper knots, check your line, and choose the right weight for the bottom type.
- Learning Curve for Beginners: Mastering presentation can take time.
- Advice: Watch others, practice, and don’t hesitate to ask for help at local tackle shops.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Selecting Your Jig or Spin
- Match the hatch: Observe what local fish are feeding on.
- Carry a range of colors: Natural for clear water, bright/glow for stained or deep water.
- Use lighter jigs for slow, natural falls; heavier ones for fast drops or windy conditions.
Fine-Tuning Your Presentation
- Change up your cadence: Vary jigging speed and pauses until you find what works.
- Experiment with tipping: Adding a small piece of worm or minnow can seal the deal.
- Monitor your line: Often, bites are soft—watch for any unusual movement.
Avoiding Snags and Breakage
- Use weedless jigs in heavy vegetation.
- Fish with slightly heavier line in rocky areas.
- Check knots and line regularly, especially after catching fish or getting snagged.
Storage and Maintenance
- Rinse your lures after use, especially if fishing in saltwater.
- Keep hooks sharp—dull hooks lose fish.
- Store jigs in compartmentalized boxes to avoid chipping paint or tangling.
Cost Tips and Shipping Advice
- Bulk Packs and Kits: Buying variety kits or multi-packs can save money, especially when targeting multiple species.
- Sales and Promotions: Many retailers offer seasonal deals—watch for clearance or bundled offers.
- Compare Shipping Costs: Some online stores offer free shipping over a certain order amount; factor this into your purchase for maximum value.
- Regional Availability: If local tackle shops carry these brands, you can save on shipping and get immediate expert advice.
- Quality Matters: While cheaper options are available, investing in reputable custom jigs and spins usually pays off in durability and performance.
Notable Custom Jigs & Spins Lures
Here are a few popular types you might encounter and what they’re known for:
- Ratfinkee Jig: Classic for panfish under the ice, balances horizontally, and comes in glow and standard colors.
- Gill Pill: Slim, disc-style jig perfect for finicky panfish.
- Flu Flu Jig: Recognizable by its feather tail, deadly for crappie and bluegill.
- B3 Blade Bait: Ideal for aggressive species like walleye and bass, vibrates intensely on retrieve.
- Plastics & Soft Baits: Pair with jigs for added action and scent attraction.
- Ice Kits: Bundles with multiple jig styles and sizes, great for getting started or trying new techniques.
Summary
Custom Jigs & Spins offer anglers a suite of tools for outsmarting fish in any season or condition. Their well-crafted designs mimic real prey, adapt to different environments, and help beginners and experts alike increase their catch rates. By understanding how to select, rig, and present these lures, you’ll become a more versatile and successful fisherman. Purchase smartly, experiment often, and enjoy the thrill these classic lures can bring to your next fishing adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I choose the right custom jig or spin for my fishing needs?
Start by identifying the fish species and conditions. Use lighter, smaller jigs for panfish or clear water; larger, more visible lures for murky water or bigger fish. Consider local advice and experiment with a few styles to see what works best.
2. Are custom jigs and spins only for ice fishing?
No! While many are favorites for ice fishing, plenty of custom jigs and spins work year-round. Blade baits, feathered jigs, and plastics are excellent for open water as well as ice.
3. What’s the best way to avoid losing jigs to snags?
Fish with slightly heavier line if snags are common, and use weedless jig heads when fishing near vegetation or structure. Regularly check knots and avoid dragging your jig along the bottom in snag-prone areas.
4. Is it worth spending extra on custom versus generic jigs?
Generally, yes. Custom jigs use higher quality materials and finishes, have sharper, stronger hooks, and often feature more natural movement—all leading to better success and longer-lasting lures.
5. How should I store and maintain my custom jigs and spins?
After each trip, rinse lures (especially after saltwater use), dry thoroughly, and store in a tackle box with separate compartments. Sharpen or replace dull hooks as needed and organize by type and size for easy access.
With these tips and insights, you’re ready to make the most of custom jigs and spins, whether you’re chasing your first perch or targeting trophy walleye. Happy fishing!