Shapes and types of jig heads. What are jigs and jig baits? Choosing a rod and the jigging process

Jig-spinning as a fishing method has already become firmly established in the daily life of those who like to hunt for our freshwater predators - perch, pike and pike perch.

Rods specially designed for this type of fishing, power reels, and braided cords appeared, without which it is no longer possible to imagine modern jig-spinning. A wide range of silicone baits can amaze even the most experienced spinning fisher. But what is absolutely impossible to do without when fishing with a jig is a piece of lead with a hook, called jig head.

Kinds

You can talk for a long time about what types of jig heads there are, what they are intended for, etc., but it all comes down to the immutable fact that Structurally, jig heads are presented in only two varieties– a head with a rigidly fixed hook and an eared weight. The latter are also called "Cheburashkas". Existing jig heads can be classified according to several formal criteria. Let's look at the main ones.

Weight

In different fishing media and on fishing Internet sites, there is a different division of jig heads into weight categories and their relationship to the spinning class. Most acceptable the following can be considered:

• nanojig – up to 4 g;
• microjig – 4-7 g;
• light jig – 7 -14 g;
• medium jig – 14-42 g;
• heavy jig - over 42 g.

Someone may disagree with such a classification - the main thing is that the fisherman himself understands what weight he needs in a particular situation.

Material

The vast majority of jig heads are made from lead. It is cheap, melts at relatively low temperatures and is easy to process. But sometimes while fishing situations arise in which a lead jig head cannot meet the specific requirements of a spinning angler. Similar situations arise when an angler needs the bait to sink very quickly and fly very far when casting.

In such cases, it comes to the rescue tungsten. He has much high specific gravity than lead, and due to this its resistance to air and water is much less. A significant disadvantage of tungsten jig heads is their high price.

Color

Usually, The color of the jig head does not play a big role when catching predatory fish. Jig-spinning is dynamic fishing, the bait does not stay in one place for a long time and the predator does not have time to see whether the jig head is colored or not - he would have time to look at the silicone bait.

In fishing stores you can find jig heads painted yellow and red. Perhaps, when fishing for pike perch at night, such a jig head in combination with a bright bait can be an additional factor provoking the predator to bite.

Differences in Shape

Jig heads with a rigidly attached hook come in a wide variety of shapes.

Although most anglers only use one head shape, viz. ball, some advanced spinning anglers pay special attention to the shape of the jig head.

Jig head "boot" It is interesting because when it falls to the bottom, the bait stands at an angle to the bottom surface and, therefore, even when stationary, can be attacked by a predator.

Jig heads "bullet" And "fish head" have improved aerodynamic characteristics and are used in situations where long cast.

Also worth mentioning planning jig head.

The weight of such a head is welded from three planes, each of which, as a rule, is made in the form "half heart". This jig head has a number of undeniable advantages compared to other types of cargo. When retrieving, it instantly lifts off the bottom at the first turn of the reel handle and floats, avoiding obstacles, which is very convenient when fishing on a cluttered bottom.

In fishing stores you can find jig heads with petal, like the petal of a rotating spoon, attached to the body of the head through a swivel. They are usually made in the shape of a horse's head. When such a jig head falls, the petal produces vibrations, which additionally attract fish.

Unlike jig heads with a rigidly fixed hook, eared weights are only available in the shape of a ball or "fish head". Other forms turn out to be unclaimed.

“Cheburashki” have significant advantages over a traditional jig head. These are: a large casting range and the ability to use double or triple hooks. Just a few years ago, only heads with two “ears” arranged in one line could be found on sale. In order to attach the hook, it was necessary to have two winding rings. The appearance of “Cheburashkas” with one “ear” turned at an angle of 90 degrees made the fisherman’s task somewhat easier.

Collapsible "Cheburashkas" became a technological breakthrough that significantly simplified the life of spinning anglers. Although they are somewhat more expensive than regular ones, many anglers prefer to use them.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Important! Not all fasteners offered by the fishing industry are suitable for threading through the eye of a jig head. It is better for the fisherman to choose a reliable and convenient type of fastener in advance. Clasp type Cross-Lock will be optimal.

You can also find heads equipped with springs. They are used to wind the front part of the silicone bait onto a spring, which as a result suffers less and holds better on the jig head.

Floating jig heads should be used when fishing over a carpet of vegetation. The head itself is tied to a piece of fishing line, which is attached to a small weight. When retrieving, the weight goes, slightly burrowing into the grass, and the head moves in the water column.

There are also special jig heads used for fishing with rotating spoons. A piece of rigid wire comes out of the body of such a head, which prevents the “spinner” from overlapping the cord when casting.

Such front-loaded spinners are considered jig baits, since the same techniques are used when fishing with silicone or foam rubber. An example is Abu Garcia Morrum Spinner And Mepps Lusox.

Unhooked

In addition to jig heads with an open hook, there are also so-called non-hooking heads, designed for fishing in places with various obstacles.

For jig heads, various options for making hook protection are possible. The simplest is to equip the head with a piece of rigid wire extending from the body of the head and the other end resting against the hook, similar to how it is done in non-snacking “oscillators” Rapala Minow Spoon.

Another option is wire loop, covering the hook.

When biting, the loop is pressed against the fore-end, and the tip of the hook digs into the fish’s mouth. Finally, you can find heads with a tuft of stiff vinyl bristles protruding from the body of the head and directed towards the hook point.

Cheburashka-non-catchable ones can be made in two ways. Most often, fishermen use an offset hook for this purpose, mounting a silicone bait on it so that the hook tip is hidden in the body of the bait. The second option uses a ready-made hook with wire protection in the form of a loop.

Equipment with hooks

The choice of hook for a jig head is dictated by several conditions. Of course, it is best to fish only with heads equipped with hooks Owner And Gamakatsu. But even very wealthy fishermen think twice about it if during a fishing trip they have to leave a couple of dozen of these heads on various hooks.

Therefore, when fishing in “difficult” places, you can use cheaper jig heads with hooks Mustad, VMC or Eagle Claw. Such hooks become dull faster, but they can always be corrected on a block, unlike expensive laser-sharpened hooks.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Healthy! Some anglers “release” the hooks of jig heads on fire before fishing. Such hooks unbend on the hooks and the loss of bait is reduced. True, there is a chance of missing out on the trophy.

Eared weights are good because they can be fished not only with single hooks, but also with doubles and even tees. The advantages of double hooks are obvious: the bait is less damaged and the percentage of bites is higher.

The size of the jig head hook, of course, should match the size of the bait used.

How to choose weight

The selection of head weight is determined by several factors. When fishing in still water, lighter weight heads are always required. For ideal conditions, i.e. in complete calm, we can recommend the following gradation of the weight of the heads depending on the fishing depth:

• up to 2 meters – 3-5 g;
• 2-3 meters – 5-7 g;
• 3-4 meters – 7-10 g;
• 4-6 meters – 10-14 g;
• 6-10 meters – 14-20 g.

In addition, you should always keep in mind that the larger the bait used with the jig head, the slower the rig will sink.

When fishing in places with pronounced relief, you should focus on the minimum depth on the fishing line. Simply put, if fishing takes place on a drop from 3 to 5 meters, then you need to install a jig head weighing 7 g, so that at the beginning of the retrieve the pause duration is 2-3 seconds, and as the depth approaches, its duration increases to 5 seconds.

True, such calculations can be called purely theoretical, since the fish often makes its own adjustments to the fishing process, and the use of jig heads of greater weight can bring much greater success.

Fishing on the current is more ambiguous. Here you need to take into account the depth, the speed of the current, and the direction of casting. It makes no sense to give specific recommendations related to the depth of the reservoir and the speed of the current - in each case it is necessary to select the weight of the bait based on specific conditions.

The relationship between the weight of the equipment, i.e., the jig head with bait, and the activity of the predator, is usually described by the following formula: the more passive the fish, the less the equipment should weigh. But there are exceptions to any rule. Often it is more effective to use a heavy jig head, which is not at all suitable for the characteristics of the reservoir and fishing conditions. And sometimes the result is not brought by the notorious step-by-step jig, but by simply dragging the equipment along the bottom.

The main purpose of jig heads, as the name implies, is jig spinning. However, you can quite successfully catch pike and pike perch using jig heads with silicone baits from the ice in winter. For this purpose, vibrating tails are usually used.

If the bite is good, there is no need to resort to any tricks; a simple unpainted jig head is enough. A brightly colored head with a metal blade glued into it, resembling the tongue of a wobbler, will help you achieve better results. Then the bait begins to work as a balancer. An additional tee on a short piece of cord attached at the base of the hook will not hurt.

Useful video

Such a seemingly simple thing as a jig head. However, in order to successfully use it while fishing, you need to know all the nuances associated with its use. Only by mastering all these subtleties can you count with great certainty on a good catch.

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. Graduated from Leningrad State University named after Zhdanov, Faculty of Biology and Soil Sciences. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Floating heads for spinning fishing with silicone baits - a chapter from Viktor Andreev’s book “Soft baits for spinning”. Twisters, vibrating tails, passive jigs, jig heads, equipment, game, wiring, fishing with silicone baits, advice for beginning spinners.

Floating heads for fishing with silicone baits

In addition to heavy lead jig heads, floating heads are also used when fishing with silicone baits. Larger and loaded options usually work on the surface of water, especially overgrown with algae. Smaller floating heads without loading are effective when working on the bottom using special equipment with a sinker and a lead.

Floating heads for fishing with silicone baits on the surface

Recently, soft plastic baits have been increasingly used when fishing on the surface of the water. But here they must be equipped with special floating heads. These are either ready-made options made from lightweight materials, or homemade loaded heads made of cork or foam (Fig. 2).

The latter are not difficult to do. A suitable hook is taken, a cylinder is cut out of the cork, in the lower part of which a lead load is attached. The heavier we want to load, the more cork we have to take. The front part of the head is often made beveled - this improves its play. If the sharp edge is at the bottom (Fig. 14c), then when pulled, such a head will dive and, conversely, the sharp edge at the top (Fig. 14d) will force the bait to go along the very surface “with a wave.” And if we make a notch in the front end, like in poppers, then our head will also “gurgle.”

It’s even better to make a composite model when the hook is loosely placed on the back loop of the cork.

Floating heads are successfully used when catching pike “over the grass,” as well as asp and perch during a fight.

Floating heads for fishing with silicone baits near the bottom

There is another option for fishing with floating heads - at the bottom of a non-lead rig with heavy weights. In this case, the load is dragged with stops along the bottom, and the bait on a long leash follows, either going deeper when pulling, or rising up when stopping. The floating head itself often has bevels for better play in both horizontal and vertical planes.

The simplest homemade version of a floating head is a long hook with a ball or cylinder made of polystyrene foam or polyethylene foam that is not attached to the fore-end with the necessary reserve of buoyancy.

On such a floating head, the bait is always in the bottom layer, while periodically lowering and rising above the bottom, which often provokes even a passive perch.

In jig fishing with soft baits, the most important role is played by the sinker, its weight and shape.

1. For fish, a bait that lowers slowly during the pause phase of the retrieve is more attractive, so the weight of the head weight should be as small as possible.
2. The less the load weighs, the fewer snags there will be!!!
3. The jig head should allow the bait to sink to the bottom so that the fisherman can feel it with the gear.
4. Remember that not only the sinker has a certain weight, but also the bait itself with the hook, as well as accessories that can be used in case of installation using an eared sinker or “bullet”.

How to choose the weight of a jig head

The weight of the jig head is also selected taking into account the fishing conditions, among which the most significant is the depth of the reservoir and the strength of the current.

• Depth up to 2 m - 2-3 g;
• 2 m - 3-4 g;
• 3 m - 4-6 g;
• 4 m - 6-8 g;
• 5 m - 8-10 g;
• 6 m - 10-15 g;
• 10 m - 20-24 g.

Jig heads review

If there is a weak flow, it is necessary to add another 2-3 g to the indicated weight indicators, with an average - another 4-6 g, and with strong current must be multiplied by 2.

Note that these ratios are not at all strict; every jig fishing fan should experiment with the weight of the weight heads, try different options in practice, paying attention to the reaction and activity of the fish, the degree of sensitivity of the gear, and the efficiency of the retrieve.

In this case, an individual compromise is needed, in which the load would not sink quickly, but not too slowly, and the tackle would feel good.

Another factor that influences the choice of load weight in current conditions is the thickness of the cord.

The thicker the cord, the stronger the force of the current and wind acts on it, that is, the thicker the cord, the greater the weight of the jig head should be.

How to increase the casting distance of jig baits

You can increase your casting distance in various ways.

First of all, this is done by moderately increasing the weight of the jig head. Also pay attention to the shape and dimensions of the bait: narrower silicone baits fly further than their bulky, wide-bodied counterparts.

The casting range will be greater even if hinged mounting.

Sometimes, for various reasons, it is necessary to reduce the weight of the sinker. First of all, such a need may arise in order to reduce the speed at which the bait falls during pauses during retrieval.

Of course, such procedures will negatively affect the casting distance and reduce the rate of fishing, but often the bait becomes more attractive to the fish, since its movements become more natural.

Tungsten weights

The casting distance is also affected by the shape of the bait and its aerodynamics. It follows from this that the lower its air resistance, with the same weight, the better and the farther it will fly. Therefore, tungsten jig weights were created. Tungsten is heavier and much harder than lead, making it more effective than lead. With the same weight as lead, tungsten weights have a smaller volume and fly further.

It is also worth noting that tungsten sinkers sink to the bottom faster, and in some cases this is a disadvantage in jigging.

Types of jig heads

Weight heads can be divided into two large groups: those that are combined with the hook, and those that are molded separately and attached to the offset hook. More common are the first ones, that is, weight-heads cast with a hook. Actually, such products are called jig heads. Outwardly, they resemble heavy, large jigs; are equipped with a ring located at right angles to the shank of the hook, and a lock, which is designed to prevent the soft silicone bait from sliding and turning.

Jig heads differ from each other not only in weight, but also in shape, which can be very diverse. Common names characterize the appearance of jig heads:

• bullet;
• ski;
• ball;
• spoon;
• banana;
• rugby;
• horseshoe;
• fish head, etc.

To catch predators in difficult areas, which are characterized by the presence of many obstacles and an abundance of vegetation, so-called non-hooking baits are used. Of course, no jig head can provide absolute protection against hooks, but some types (spoon, horseshoe, rugby) actually reduce the number of hooks, which is associated with the vertical position of the hook at the stage of the bait falling.

Jig heads such as “banana” or “ski”, which are characterized by an elongated shape, reduce the chance of side hooks.

Also, in order to protect against snags, fishermen often install special homemade “fuses” made of thin wire, which easily bends under the pressure of fish jaws.

Naturally, the use of such a wire structure will slightly increase the number of unsuccessful bites, but there will be much fewer dangerous hooks.

DIY jig heads

Casting jig heads yourself is currently very popular, because it is economical, interesting and allows you to create a whole arsenal of a wide variety of weights.

The most difficult thing in this process is making the mold itself for future casting. Are used as metal molds, and simpler ones made from gypsum and scrap materials.

The weight of the future product can be adjusted not only by changing its dimensions, but also through the use of an alloy of lead and tin. The latter is characterized by lower density, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of manufactured jig heads.

Making jig heads with your own hands

How to paint a jig head

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Friends, the fishing portal FishingSib continues a series of informative articles not only about various baits and equipment, but also about fishing techniques. This time we will look at one of the most popular - jig fishing.

The name of this fishing technique comes from the ancient English dance “jiga”. In this case, the main “tool” for the dance is a special fishing tackle - a jig head.

When fishing using such equipment, the bait is cast and the load is dropped to the bottom of the reservoir. Then, the fishing line is wound with sharp movements, or the rod is jerked, during which the jig head jumps and flies above the bottom. After 1-2 seconds the movements are repeated. The resulting movements of the head are similar to jumping or steps. At the moment of bouncing and further falling to the bottom, the tail of the bait oscillates, imitating the movements of the tail of a real fish. The predator attacks at this moment, swallowing the jig head. All that remains is to hook the fish and land it.

How to choose a jig head

When choosing this gear, it is important to consider the shape of the head, its weight, method of attachment and suspension point. Each of these parameters affects both the wiring and the speed of penetration and casting distance.

Mounting method

There are two options for attaching a jig head: stationary and articulated (“ushastik” or “Cheburashka”). Stationary jig heads require a rigid connection between the hook and the load. Such jigs were the very first to appear, and for a long time were considered “classics of the genre.” However, now they are less popular, and are increasingly giving way to articulated ones, or otherwise “Cheburashkas”.

Hinged mounts provide greater freedom of action for the bait due to the ring-to-ring connection. On one side, a leash clasp is attached to the “eye,” and on the other, a hook with bait. This connection allows the bait to make a variety of movements. The big advantage of this head is its longer casting and the ability to attach hooks and baits of different sizes.

In turn, hinged installation is divided into two types: non-separable and collapsible. The first option involves wire “ears” soldered into the head. In the second case, the wire is pulled out freely and has a certain shape. Its profile is designed in such a way that it can only be pulled out from one side. By the way, at the moment on the fishing market you can find another version of collapsible “Cheburashkas” - with a clasp.

Suspension point

• Front suspended jig heads keep the hook almost vertical. The recommended head shape for this type is “banana”.
• Jig heads with a standard suspension hold the hook in an inclined position. The recommended shape is a ball for places with standing water, and a “fish head” for currents.
• Jig heads with a central suspension hold the hook in an almost horizontal position. The recommended shape is an iron (“Eri”).

Jig head shape

• Ball-shaped. It is considered the most universal, used in almost all bodies of water. There is one drawback - poor stability at the bottom, as it often falls on its side or quickly falls into the silt.
• Iron. This form of jig head is called “eri”. Thanks to the flat bottom, it prevents the bait from falling on its side and does not fall into the mud. These jig heads are good for fishing in deep places, as well as in places with fast currents. “Eri” belongs to the category of “roly-polys”, therefore it is capable of forcing a predator to attack the bait even while lying on the bottom.
• Fish head. This jig head shape is designed for current. Thanks to the pointed shape, the drag of the water is significantly reduced, which in turn allows the bait to maximize its best qualities.

TOP 5 postings

In nature, there are many types of fishing that are used for fishing with jig heads. The fishing portal FishingSib has selected the TOP 5 most popular ones for you.

Stepped.

This type of wiring is considered the main one in jig fishing. On the river, the bait can be moved with stepped wiring both with the current and across or against it. When performing stepwise retrieving: after casting, the angler lets the bait sink to the bottom, then makes several (usually 2-3) turns with the reel handle, then pauses, at which time the bait rises and swims a few meters, then sinks to the bottom again. After the bait touches the bottom, the fisherman rewinds the line again.

American.

This type of wiring is often used when fishing for pike perch. After the bait falls to the bottom, the angler makes a soft pull with the rod, after which he picks up the slack in the fishing line with the reel. After the bait falls to the bottom again, the next jerk is performed. The usual length of such a pull is 1-2 m. Thus, American wiring is very similar to step fishing, with the only difference being that it is performed with a rod and not a reel.

To be demolished.

This is a unique type of American wiring. The fisherman casts across the current or slightly upstream, and after the bait falls to the bottom, he begins to play with it: with a swing of the rod, he lifts the bait above the ground, after which it floats a certain distance and falls to the bottom again, and the spinner again “throws » her up. In this case, the fishing line is not reeled in at all as long as you can play with the bait without taking out the slack.

Aggressive.

Designed for active fish - pike, perch or pike perch. After falling to the bottom, the bait is thrown up with a sharp swing of the tip of the spinning rod, similar to a hook. Then the angler pauses, lowering the rod to a horizontal position and reeling in the slack line, allowing the bait to fall to the ground again, after which another jerk follows.

Uniform.

The fisherman casts the bait, waits until the bait has dropped to the middle of the depth of the reservoir, and begins retrieving, evenly reeling in the fishing line. If we rotate the reel handle too quickly, our bait will come at us with a rise to the surface. If you rotate it very, very slowly, the bait will gradually bury itself until it falls to the bottom. Well, you can achieve an intermediate option when the bait moves strictly horizontally - this is uniform wiring.

Andrey Pitertsov talks about various jig bait placements

Expert opinion

Ivan Sharapov, fishing store specialist:

In Novosibirsk, the most popular form of jig head can be considered the classic, round one. Our fishermen love it very much because of its simple installation and price. On average, such a head costs from 14 to 50 rubles.

As for the connection (weight + hook), everything is more complicated. I myself use a swivel joint, Cheburashka + double or offset hook (from 8 to 22 rubles). In this case, the game of the bait is, in my opinion, more attractive, and it is better to put thin edible rubber on a double or offset so as not to tear it.

There is an opinion that when biting and further hooking, the bait on the hinge will still turn to stick into the mouth... the fish may spit it out. But on a jig head this is impossible, since there are no connections.

If we take our consumers into account, about 70-80% use a joint, the rest use a jig head. I have some thoughts on this matter.

If we are talking about large pike, for example in the Tomsk region, then most fishermen take jig heads due to the fact that the hook there is more powerful, and the weight of the bait reaches 125 grams.

Dmitry Pankin, head of the fishing Internet portal FishingSib:

I’ve been fishing with jig for as long as I’ve been fishing with spinning, which is probably about 15 years. The biggest trophy with jig is a pike weighing 8,900 grams.

I started mastering spinning with this equipment. The first 2-3 seasons, of course, all this was little conscious, because... and the gear was inappropriate, and there was no understanding of what was happening at the other end of the line. Just one trip with a more experienced friend helped me a lot in mastering the jig, who put me on the spot with an active fish, it was a small perch. It was there that for the first time I was able to clearly distinguish the jig step and fish bites, and remember these sensations well.

I love jigs first of all for the constant control and understanding of the situation, as well as for the unforgettable bites and strikes on pause. Even a small zander with its powerful blow delivers some kind of indescribable thrill :)

My favorite wiring is the simplest - 2 turns, boom, 2 turns, boom. Another favorite wiring is 3 turns, boom... I always start fishing with this. First of all, I will diversify the pace of wiring, namely the speed of reeling. And then, if the fish shows itself in some way, then I try to observe what works best, and adjust my wiring accordingly.

Almost from the very beginning of my passion for jigs, I fished with Cheburashkas with the bait mounted through a winding ring. Since last year, I switched 99% to collapsible Cheburashkas, it’s much more convenient. The shape of the Cheburashka is again 99% a ball, but I don’t bother. Whatever is in the store of suitable quality and weight, I take it.

As for advice for beginners who have decided to learn jig, I have two. First, buy normal tackle. It doesn't have to be very expensive. But with a monofilament line and a fiberglass rod, you are unlikely to master jigs. Buy braided cord. Cheap options for rubles for 200-300 can be found both in stores and on aliexpress. Buy a carbon fiber rod, not a telescope. I am sure that in our stores you can find something acceptable for 1500-3000 rubles, which will allow you to track and understand the jig step.

Secondly, find a more experienced friend who will help you understand the wiring and point out the main errors. It would be ideal to catch an active fish that strikes while paused. In such a situation, you will understand everything very quickly.

Fishing with a jig - video

Friends, if you don’t like to read, then we offer you an interesting selection of video clips that include not only professional advice from fishermen on jig fishing tactics, but also interesting footage of how fish react to jig bait underwater.

Video about how perch reacts to jig baits

How to properly rig a jig bait

You can get more information, ask questions to professionals, and chat with newcomers to jig fishing in special forum threads on our website.

• Advantages and disadvantages of silicone lure brands for jig fishing - , .

Friends, fishermen, if you have any other advice, or perhaps instructions in this difficult matter, feel free to share them in the comments under the article. After all, sometimes you miss the advice of a more experienced fisherman, especially when you decide to learn how to catch a predator with a jig.

D jig-head (weight-head, Jig-Head) - a weight, with or without a reinforced hook, of a certain shape, which is used for loading various, most often, silicone baits for spinning fishing. It is called the head because it is attached to the upper part of the bait and is perceived with it as a single whole. The jig head is such a widespread part of the bait that it undoubtedly deserves a more detailed consideration. Moreover, jig heads are used (as can be seen from the name) in such types of fishing as jig and, which are currently extremely popular and, most importantly, very effective.

N Despite the apparent simplicity of jig heads, a successful catch largely depends on their correct selection. Therefore, many spinning anglers have jig heads of various sizes, weights and shapes in their bait boxes. And if the dimensions and weight are more or less clear, then with the shapes many questions arise. Their sometimes very bizarre shape can cause confusion even among experienced fishermen. Let's take a closer look at jig heads and try to classify them so that you can at least somehow navigate their diversity.

1. TYPES OF JIG HEADS

IN All types of jig heads can be divided into 2 types in relation to the hook and bait:

• JIG HEADS COMBINED WITH A HOOK. Such heads are more like large jigs with a ring in the upper part and a latch (stopper) of the bait on the hook or without it. Such clamps can be in the form of: “ball”, “needle (thorn)”, “umbrella (mushroom)”, “arrow”. Such stoppers have one purpose: to secure the bait from inadvertently sliding off the hook. But the shape is selected depending on the fishing conditions, the weight and shape of the silicone bait.

P The preferences of fishermen when choosing a jig head with a certain lock can be different, it all depends on the shape of the bait itself, as a rule, silicone, its weight and size, and of course on the conditions of the reservoir. For example, when fishing with microjigs, jig heads are often used either with a “ball” lock or without it at all. Such jig heads damage the small silicone bait less, so the choice is theirs.

AND Of course, pay attention to the types, shape and quality of hooks in such combined jig heads. They come not only of normal (medium) length, but also shortened or elongated, although such hooks are used much less frequently. The thickness of the wire from which the hooks are made also varies. Hooks made of thick wire hold large fish better, but are more damaging to small bait. But hooks made of thin wire are preferable, for example, on snagged reservoirs, since when hooked they easily unbend, but the small barb of the hook holds the fish weaker, which increases the number of escapes.

• SEPARATE JIG HEADS. Such jig heads have 2 eyes, a hook with bait is attached to one of them, and a fishing line is attached to the other. The connection to the hook can be through the winding ring or directly to the hook, if such a jig head is collapsible - such jig heads are often called “Cheburashkas”. Although their form may sometimes be different. The most common forms are: “ball”, “lentil” (flattened ball) and “field”.

AND Still, the most common shape for individual jig heads is in the form of a ball. It is precisely these jig heads - collapsible "Cheburashkas" - that are most often used with articulated equipment, for example, with microjigging. The connection of a separate jig head and bait ring to ring is called “hinged”. This installation gives the head freedom from the bait and allows longer casts (10-20%) compared to combined jig heads. And although the dismountable connection of the “Cheburashka” does not in any way affect the number of bites, it significantly increases the ease of installation. And, first of all, this is the ability to quickly change the weight of the head and the bait itself. Currently, it is safe to say that collapsible jig heads are the most common.

2. SHAPE OF JIG HEADS COMBINED WITH A HOOK

F There are many types of combined jig heads. We will give only the main ones. This cannot be said that all of them are in great demand and very common, but still.

IN All jig heads can be classified or categorized according to the properties that their shape gives them. Some jig heads can be classified into different categories, where their properties are stronger or weaker. Those. The following classification of jig heads is very conditional character.

• JIG HEADS WITH INCREASED FRONTAL RESISTANCE. Such models have various bevels, inclined or curved surfaces. These heads oscillate slightly when retrieving, which is transmitted to the bait - the heads give the bait additional play. These models include: “Digger”, “Swinging”, “Oscillating”, “Ski”. Depending on the bevel of the front part of the head, they behave differently. For example, “Digger” or “Oscillating” jig heads go deeper because... the nasal blade pushes them down like the blade of a wobbler. But the “Ski” or “Swinging”, on the contrary, rises during the drive due to the bending of the nasal blade in the opposite direction. This is especially noticeable with uniform wiring and light jig heads.

"Digger" Not only does it go deeper than other jig heads and oscillate at the same time, but once it reaches the bottom, it moves along it, bouncing. If the wiring is uniform, then this jig head goes lower than the others in the horizontal plane. And if the head is torn from the bottom during intensive reeling of the fishing line with a sharp movement of the rod, it will begin to move in an arc, gradually moving to the upper layers of the water. You can also manually slightly change the angle of the jig head blade, thereby changing the game of the bait, for example, the speed of its immersion.

"Rocking" jig head, or sometimes you can also find the name “Petal”, when casting, it does not immediately fall to the bottom, but smoothly lowers due to its shape. This property of the head is especially useful in shallow water areas. This jig head goes higher than others with an even retrieve. When reeled sharply, it is brought to the surface. This is especially useful in shallow water areas.

"Hesitating" The jig head has the opposite characteristics from the “Swinging” head. With uniform wiring, it does not rise, but, on the contrary, is buried in the water layers. At the same time, it also sways, or rather already oscillates.

"Ski" also has its own special characteristics. For example, when actively retrieving or reeling in the fishing line, it quickly rises to the water surface and begins to slide along it. That is, a bait with such a jig head and active wiring turns into a surface one. Due to its elongated shape, this jig head is also less likely to get side hooks. Excellent for catching, for example, asp.

• JIG HEADS WITH STRAIGHTEN SHAPE. Such heads fly farther than others. The streamlined shape of the head has virtually no effect on the performance of the bait itself. Such heads are more compact and are most suitable for fishing in currents or at depth. But this does not mean that they are less effective on reservoirs with other conditions. Heads of this shape are the most popular among fishermen. These models include: “Ball”, “Spoon”, “Banana”, “Fish Head”, “Larva Head”, “Bullet”.

"Ball" In general, it is a classic long-range form for a jig head, and many fishermen prefer this universal form, animating silicone baits with wiring, and also using silicone baits, which already have their own individual game. The “ball” flows evenly around water, and is most suitable for twisters with their rounded body. Although with other soft silicone baits the head is no less effective. This form can be successfully used on any reservoir and in any conditions.

"Banana" and "Spoon" Not only do they fly well, but these heads also have fewer snags compared to the “Ball” head. Lures have a center of gravity shifted forward and, when casting, fall to the front part, which is taken into account by fishermen not only when casting, but also when retrieving, especially in a stepped manner. Such heads overcome various obstacles more easily and provide active play in the vertical plane. When wiring, they tend upward, even with uniform horizontal wiring. If you twitch the rod slightly while retrieving, the heads will bounce slightly above the bottom, even when fishing over long distances. Most suitable for fishing at a depth of about 2 meters.

"Fish Head" and "Maggot Head" have flat vertical surfaces that direct the flow of water along them. This flat shape enhances the lateral flow of water, which is especially effective when fishing with baits that have side projections or ribs, for example, vibrating tails. These jig heads no longer bounce above the bottom when twitched, but they allow the silicone bait to fully reveal its play in the current, or even when trolling. Most often used for catching perch.

"Bullet" It also has a streamlined shape, but its application can be wider. As a jig head in the form of a separate weight, it is actively used when mounting non-hook baits with an offset hook, for example, in. Its shape is perfect for unhindered passage through aquatic vegetation.

• JIG HEADS WITH LOW ENGAGEMENT. With such jig heads, when they fall to the bottom of the reservoir, the hook remains in a vertical position. These models include: “Boot”, “Vanka-Vstanka”, “Horseshoe”, « Rugby", "Slant". Jig heads of these shapes cling less, especially when retrieving in steps.

"Boot","Horseshoe","Vanka-Vstanka" most effective for bottom fishing. This shape increases their maneuverability and controllability. They have a massive sole, onto which these jig heads always fall when diving to the bottom of the reservoir. They resemble a fish near the bottom, because the hook with the bait is in a vertical position. This is especially similar during stepwise wiring, when each time the head lowers to the bottom, a small cloud of turbidity rises. Such jig heads are especially effective when fishing for pike perch and large perch in strong currents.

"Horseshoe" and "Rugby" have large side projections, which reduces the likelihood of side snagging. And “Rugby” also plans well in the water and perfectly “beats off” obstacles.

"Slanted" is also a type of bottom jig head. The hook on this head is not in a vertical position, but at an angle. The sides of this jig head are beveled.

N It should be noted that all bottom jig heads are most effective for catching perch and pike perch. Jig heads can also be produced with additional metal antennae or other devices that serve to reduce hooks and have virtually no effect on hooking fish. And such jig heads can be of completely different shapes, including those from other categories considered.

• JIG HEADS WITH NOISE EFFECT.Such jig heads are more like independent baits. When moving in the water column, they create an additional noise effect due to various petals, weights or even propellers. With such a combined jig head, the fish sees better and hears better. Such jig heads, for example, include: “Horse head”, “With an additional fastener”, “With a propeller”.

"Horse Head" The most famous jig head with noise effect. The rotating petal of the Horse's Head jig head creates not only an additional sound effect, but also a light effect, which also attracts fish. Such a petal is attached to an additional ring, which is poured into the load. Instead of a petal, you can attach a small silicone bait, a leash, and a woolen brush, that is, an additional bait that can attract fish.

"With additional clasp". You can attach not only a petal to the ring of this jig head, but also a leash with a hook or tee. This jig head leaves a wide field for experimentation with combining baits. When the bite is inactive, such experiments can provide an additional chance for a successful catch.

"With a propeller." This jig head has the strongest noise effect. The head is more effective in clean water. Any blade of grass can become an obstacle to the rotation of the propeller.

T Some combination jig heads also slow down the bait, which is sometimes necessary, for example, in the upper layers of a reservoir. Therefore, they can also be classified as jig heads with increased drag. But these are far from exhaustive forms of noisy jig heads. There are jig heads even with a whistling effect. Such heads have small but deep holes, the air bubbles in which, when washed with water, produce high-frequency whistling sounds. It is difficult to judge how true this is, but the cost of such heads is significantly higher than usual. These rare jig heads also include rattle heads, which contain small balls.

3. BALANCED AND UNBALANCED JIG HEADS

R The differences between balanced and unbalanced jig heads are in a ring that is soldered into the head itself. If the ring is perpendicular to the shank of the hook and the head is held in relation to the fishing line at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, then such jig heads are balanced. If the ring is in front of the head, exactly or approximately in continuation of the axis or shank of the hook, and holds the head in relation to the fishing line at an angle of about 180 degrees, then such jig heads are called unbalanced.

• Balanced jig heads with bait, due to the ring, which is perpendicular to the shank of the hook, they hang horizontally or almost horizontally. Lures with such jig heads go when the fishing line is reeled in at a certain angle, and when stopped, they fall almost vertically to the bottom. These jig heads are more suitable for step retrieving. An example of such a balanced jig head is the “Maggot Head” - the hook at the head relative to the fishing line is at an angle of almost 90 degrees.
• Unbalanced jig heads When reeling in the fishing line, they go almost horizontally and when the reeling stops, they do not drop sharply to the bottom, but slightly planing and deviating to the side. Most suitable for fishing in shallow water with long casting and even retrieve. An example of such an unbalanced jig head is the Banana - the hook at the head is at an angle of about 170 degrees to the line.

P When choosing a balanced or unbalanced jig head shape, keep in mind that they only work well with small silicone baits. When fishing, for example, with a large vibrotail, the shape of the jig head has little effect on its game. And here the skill of the fisherman and the selection of the optimal weight of the head come first.

4. WEIGHT OF JIG HEADS

IN EC is the main parameter when choosing a jig head. If it is selected incorrectly, a jig head of any shape will be ineffective and not catchy. It is the weight of the head that influences the depth of the retrieve and the casting distance of the bait. It is the weight that determines how the jig head will perform its two main tasks, namely, providing the necessary horizon for placing the bait, and the required time for lowering this bait to the bottom during this posting. Therefore, when choosing the weight of a jig head, you should always consider:

• The rod test range with which it will be used. Only when the tackle is balanced will the weakest fish bite be visible.
• The weight of the supposed predator we are going to hunt.
• Type and shape of baits used.
• Type of bait wiring.
• Conditions of the reservoir (current, depth).

TO this is what a fishing rod has, and we have already considered recommendations for its selection. But let’s dwell in a little more detail on selecting the weight of the jig head depending on the conditions of the reservoir, wiring and expected catch.

WITH Standard jig heads weigh from 1 to 50 grams. Based on weight, jig heads are divided into 5 groups:

• Nanojig- up to 3 grams.
• Microjig- 3-7 grams.
• Lungs- 7-21 grams.
• Average- 21-42 grams.
• Heavy- more than 42 grams.

B It is clear that the selection of the weight of the bait should be carried out experimentally, but the range in which the jig heads that need to be taken fishing should be determined must be determined. Don’t take with you all the lead that is in the fisherman’s arsenal!

AND Let us once again note the conventions of the gradation below. After all, if we fish, for example, with a microjig, then we select jig heads according to completely different criteria. Tiny jig heads rarely have a distinct shape, most often a “ball”. But if we consider a classic jig, then the weight of jig heads in calm water, depending on the depth, is approximately the following:

• Depth up to 2 meters- 2-8 grams.
• Depth 2-4 meters- 6-12 grams.
• Depth 4-6 meters- 10-16 grams.
• Depth 6-10 meters- 14-20 grams.
• Depth from 10 meters- 18-30 grams.

P When choosing the weight of a jig head, it is necessary to proceed not only from the depth of the reservoir, but also from the presence of current. When fishing against the current, the weight of the jig head will have to be increased by about 10-20%. ...Just don’t rush to do it! Jig fishing is active, you have to move a lot, and the depth in any body of water can vary greatly even with slight movement.

E If we average the requirements for baits, then it is considered optimal if the bait sinks to the bottom of the reservoir in about 2-3 seconds with a stepped retrieve. But with the size of a silicone bait it is much more difficult, you won’t see any shapes! And yet you have to start from something. For example, for a classic twister 5-7 cm long (2-3 inches, 1 inch = 2.54 cm) when fishing for perch on the river, the weight of jig heads is in the range of 4-8 grams. To catch pike on the river, larger baits are already used, 7-12 cm (3-5 inches) with jig heads weighing 8-16 grams. But for pike perch, baits 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) long with jig heads weighing 12-18 grams are preferable. When fishing for pike perch, the head will go along the very bottom, which means we take it a little heavier than for pike.

A Which jig heads to choose, lead or tungsten alloy depends on several factors. Firstly, tungsten is almost 2 times heavier lead, which means the heads made of it are more compact, which allows you to use a large bait with a small jig head. Secondly, jig heads made of tungsten alloy are produced, as a rule, in the form of collapsible “Cheburashkas” weighing no more than 10 grams. Well, and thirdly, the cost of such jig heads is several times higher than the cost of lead ones.

5. CONCLUSION

R The examined forms of jig heads are far from complete; their names are for the most part arbitrary, although accepted by most fishermen. The same form with minor modifications may be called differently. It’s easy to verify this by simply going to a fishing store. You can find jig heads not only of the most amazing shapes, but also of a wide variety of colors. The colors of the jig heads, albeit slightly, still attract fish, especially those with painted or glued eyes, which are attack points. But the exact resemblance of a jig head to the head of a fish, or a larva, or a bullet, is still more of a marketing ploy aimed at fishermen, and does not affect the catchability of the bait. ...Although the aesthetic pleasure from the type of gear, or the same baits, is worth a lot!

Happy fishing!