by Capt. Jim Stoner
Jigs catch just about everything that swims in the 10,000 Islands. Snook, Redfish and Seas Trout love them and it's not unusual to catch Goliath Grouper on them. I have caught fish so
small on jigs that they were almost the same size of the jig itself. I have also caught huge Tarpon on the same basic jig.What kind of jig are we talking about? When I first started fishing the area over 40 years ago almost all of the jigs we fished were 3/8oz hair jigs. They had lima bean heads and were almost always yellow or white in color. We would tip the jig (sweeten the hook) with a small piece of fresh shrimp. This combination was utilized for many years and accounted for many Snook and Red Fish catches. Later on when plastic tails jigs became available, we started experimenting with them and had great results. Today we no longer utilize the old hair jig in yellow. I now fish almost exclusively with plastic tail jigs.
What are the best sizes and color combinations.
Well, if you ask several different experts you will get differing answers.Basically it's the combination of head and tail that you have confidence in. Here are my recommendations: For the head of the jig pick up two sizes; 1/4 oz. and 3/8oz. I like the head to be red in color and to have eyes Of course, it should have a quality hook. For the tail I like a 3" body in gold metal flake. Other colors work well also but gold is universally accepted as the color of choice.
Tipping the jig with a small piece of cut shrimp still draws more strikes so don't be afraid to add a little sweetness to the hook. Fish the jig slowly over hard bottom and you can catch almost anything that swims down there. Move the jig faster over the grass flats and you will catch Trout, Lady Fish and Jacks. Don't be surprised if that same jig gets eaten by a big Tarpon! Believe me, it happens frequently and usually when you least expect it.
Pictures are courtesy of Rip Tide Saltwater Lures
Everglades Pro Fishing Charters
Captain Jim Stoner
Captain Doug Stoner
954-444-9995
http://www.evergladespro.com/
snook4341@yahoo.com
