October 27, 2011
By Matt Straw
Smallmouth Chronicles
Weighting by increments is the key to success early and late in the season. One of my favorite "tweener" jigs (meaning between the usual sizes) is the Lunker City Football Head. The two sizes I use most (1/16- and 1/8-ounce) are demonstrated by the two unpainted units. The painted jigs are 1/8-ounce. I like them because the 1/16-ouncer is slightly heavier than the usual 1/16-ounce jig, but lighter than most 3/32-ouncers. Ditto for the 1/8-ounce version, which is heavier than most jigs in that weight division. I like them because they hold onto a grub better, too — which keeps it fishing longer. When the Carbon X Man appeared, I used the same Kalin's Grub to hook over 2 dozen bass, and everybody knows how soft Kalin's products are.
Weighting by increments adjusts drop and swim speed. Both are critical. All year, but especially in cold water.
Another key: Pro-Tec Powder Paint puts a hard finish on your jig, and I find that a green-pumpkin head outfishes a black one outfishes a plain lead jig. Not all the time, but most days, especially in clear water. The jig on the far right is turned up to reveal the bottom, where I add a dash of orange nail polish. Say you don't believe it. Fine. But if you say it and never try it, well, thanks for all the fish.
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