Vertical jigging the 'Berry.

[FishMcFisherson]

I'm heading up to Strawberry this weekend and will be fishing from a boat. I'll probably mostly just be still fishing with bait/worms. I'll be using 2 rods, so I'd like to be using bait on one and try vertical jigging on the other. The only problem is that I've never done it before... So I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help me with.

First of all, the spot we usually fish is about 30 f.o.w. Is this too shallow to try the vertical jig? I've caught mostly rainbows there, but usually catch a few cuts as well.

Second... What kind/color/size of jig/jig head should I try? Also, I've heard people say that they usually tip their jig with chub meat. I'll try to catch a chub, but if I don't, can I use carp meat, or just a piece of night crawler?

Finally, any particular jig action works best? Do I just drop the jig straight down and jig it til I get a bite (like ice fishing)? Do I cast, let it sink to the bottom and reel in with a slow retrieve?

Anything else that you can tell me would be much appreciated. PM's are welcome.

Thank you in advance.[fishin]
[signature]

[LordoftheFlies]

30 feet should be fine, as long as there are fish there.[]

Off the top of my head, I can't remember what size I use- 1/2 oz maybe? The popular color is white and generally works well. I've caught them on watermelon, pumpkin and chartreuse as well. Tipping them with crawlers usually works well for me if I don't have some chub/shiner meat.

I like to do both vertical jigging (like ice fishing), as well as a fairly slow cast and retrieve. I've also caught plenty of them casting the jig to them when they surface. That's a fun way to get them.

Good luck. I'm like you in that I like to rig up a bait rod and work a jig while I'm waiting.

There are some serious jigging experts that can probably give you some better info, but I seem to do OK.[cool]
[signature]

[brookieguy1]

Kentofnsl...FishMcFisherson needs you! Kent jigs Strawberry like I do alpine lakes. Kent can give you the goods on jigging Strawberry.
[signature]

[Kent]

I prefer a 1/0 or 2/0 hook and about 1/4 to 3/8 oz of lead (I pour my own). Tipping with small chunks of carp will work fine. I always try night crawlers and usually catch a few on them but cut bait usually works much better. 30' of water works fine and like was said if there are fish there. Try straight down and most often just off of the bottom and bounce it off of the bottom every now and then. Try different types (fast, slow and in between) until you find out what jigging action works. Usually, active jigging works the best. Also try casting and bouncing back to the boat and just casting and reeling back to the boat without letting it drop to the bottom. As I was reminded last trip by my skilled young guest, if one is casting and retrieving one doesn't need to tip the jigs. White is always good and often other colors will also produce. Try from 1 1/2" to 3 1/2" long tubes.
[signature]

[monsterbrowns]

I had a lot of fun last weekend Kent, thanks for the lessons! That is, by far, my new favorite way to fish Strawberry.

When casting and retrieving, I like the action of the jig better without tipping it. It seemed to work both ways though.
[signature]

[Uintaman]

I agree with Kent, but prefer a small skinny piece of chub with the skin, to hold it on the hook. Skinny So as to interfere the least with action.
Advantage of bait, behind tube jig, often they miss strike, but will come back for seconds more readily, even thirds.

Color matters to me, but the standards all work. The real trick, is putting yourself on fish, within casting distance. Sometimes extremely slow retrieve helps.

Also technique can make the difference. They also soft strike a lot.

Favorite areas are Renegade, and Indian Creek. Watch the bass boats, they are often jigging.
[signature]