I’m reworking my jig box and wanted to get some input. Right now I’ve got a mix of random sizes, but I’m looking to really fine-tune things for the lakes I fish.

Most of our lakes have pond weed—not thick grass—and you can’t really rip baits through it much. Bluegill still hang around it feeding on insects, so that’s a big factor.

For those of you fishing similar conditions:

• What jig sizes are you leaning on the most?

• What are your go-to styles and setups for this type of cover?

Appreciate any insight

I have starting using the Dirty Jigs Finesse Swim Jig with a chunk trailer https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dirty_Jigs_Finesse_Swim_Jig/descpage-DJFISWJ.html

If I'm throwing at vegetation I'm most likely either trying to stay right on top of it and skimming through the first couple inches (or if it's floating, right under the top layer) OR I'm putting something heavy on, picking a small opening, and pitching to that hole to let it fall fast all the way to the bottom.

I would probaby start with an 1/8oz swim jig and Netbait Paca Craw and swim/twitch it through the top of the weeds. If that didn't work I'd get a 3/4oz football jig with a Rage Craw and let it free fall into all the holes I could pitch to.

All of this is happening on Sufix 832. I'll tell you that many times I prefer to throw 1/8oz swim jigs on a spinning rod. When I'm using a small jig like that I am trying to tic and bump everthing that's down there and keeping my finger on the line with a spinning rod is just the ticket for me. A fast (truly fast) or extra fast action medium rod with braid. I use a Daiwa AGS M/XF with 6lb Sufix 832.

I love this kind of fishing. Good luck to you.

1/4 oz is light enough to not get bogged down so you can’t rip it out. Target the edges. You need a fast rod with enough tip to cast accurately. 7’ mh fast is a good all around.

I have used the following swim jig and like them a lot. The Greenfish tackle shin’s Chibi Swim Jig is the best light tackle swim jig I have found. The Cliff Pace The pulse Pacemaker jig will give you a large size profile and it falls slowly for its weight. I have found the ISM Carver Swim Jig to be one of the most weedless jigs out there.

As others have said use a lighter weight jig to get over and through sparser weed grow or to run shallow.

I have used 'several' types and brands of swim jigs with mixed results.

Experience and time on the water have allowed me to learn that for my swim jig needs,

I only need one type/style of bait.

And right off the bat it's all about the head shape/design & the hook.

(Although I do like a certain lack of fullness in the skirt, I can always thin it out myself.).

But rather than doing this overly long dissertation describing them.

I will simply list them and show them.

First and perhaps my favorite is the Evergreen Grass Ripper Swim Jig.

Look up the bait stats - they are primo.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Evergreen_Grass_Ripper_Swim_Jigs/descpage-EGGR.html

My other choice is the 6th Sense Divine Hybrid Jig

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Divine_Hybrid_Jig/descpage-6SDVHJ.html

I use both like a regular casting as well as swim jigs.

However, I'm not throwing these deals into deep hard or soft cover.

1/4 and 3/8 oz are my jam.

If there was such a thing as an all-around, all-terrain jig, these are it for me.

The 6th Sense Bait is the beefier of the two.

They are stored in boxes by weight and sectioned off by color.

I fish them both on 7 ft MHF graphite sticks (currently St Croix Avid) with 15 lb Tatsu line.

There ya go.

A-Jay

I use a 1/2 oz tungsten pegged punch weight with a skirt, and a Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper for a trailer. I always snag jigs, but this setup gets through anything. I'm also fishing for big dumb unpressured bass, so no need to go light.

Depending which pond weed you’re talking about (curly, broad leaf, or others) you have to choose whether you’re going over it, around it, or dropping through it. over and around are the same jigs and will depend on how fast you want to work it. I’ll go as light as 1/8 for crawling one over the top and shimmying through some of the openings. If you’re moving it quick or going down the edges in 8-10’ then I go up to a half. Specific jigs will include the sieberts swim jig, strike king pro series, and dirty jigs swim jig. All good and all work.

If you’re in the real thick stuff and trying to fish in the middle of it then I find a Texas rig a better choice, though if you want to have a skirted setup you can go with a skirted punching weight or the AJay swim jig special he’s posted about here a few times. Strike king also has the swinging swim jig which is similar to AJay’s setup less versatile) and get’s through the thick stuff (I carry a couple in half ounce for those purpose).

Both from Siebert’s with your choice of trailers

I typically fish the 1/4oz swimjig with a ned craw swiming it above grass and weeds, letting it fall in and ripping it out.

For me If wanting to fish IN the cover

“The Dredge Brush Jig is a powerhouse jig designed to excel in  brush, laydowns, and complex structure. Whether you’re fishing light weeds, thick brush piles, or dragging down the sides of tree tops, this jig consistently gets bites. As it falls, the jig naturally positions the trailer at a 45-degree angle, maintaining an enticing presentation on the bottom.”

For me If wanting to fish OVER the cover

“The Swim Jig is your perfect all-around option for covering water, navigating through grass, or targeting fish in open water. Built to order, this jig is designed for smooth retrieves, durable performance, and superior weedless capability. Whether you’re slow-rolling or burning it through cover, this jig gets the job done.”

Most of the water in my local area are similar. Other than milfoil or coontail there isn't very much submergent grass. The bottoms are soft and loaded with that filamented algae.

A standard swimjig needs

Good 3 or 4/0 2x wire hook

Quality skirt material. I personally like hand tied to keep the skirt open and hold up to a beating. Some like a band, because they remove material and even add a few strands with a sewing needle.'

The skirt shouldn't be too thick. Thinner skits move much better and help keep the jig down.

I like a brush guard that actually functions, yet doesnt cost you fish. There are a ton of swimjigs that have a guard thats so light its useless. Many swim jigs have a guard, not for reducing snags, but for destabilizing the jig, causing it to roll slightly on a straight retrieve.

Lastly the keeper should effectively keep the trailer from sliding down the shank on the hit, which helps you get more mileage out of the trailer.

Ive tried a bunch of swim jigs and my go finesse swimjig that will take a smaller 3"-3.5" is...

Greenfish Chibi Swim jig. The hook is a custom fine wire, O Shaughnessy bend, 4/0 Gami. The shank is long, but the gap isnt too wide. Despite the small gap I have close to 100% hookup ratio. The hook is so sharp the fish hook themselves. The lightest weight they come in is 5/16 and thats what I use. My favorite trailer is a Zoom swimming super fluke jr and 3.5 swammer. It gives it a ton a roll and keeps the profile small.

The Beast Coast Workingman Jig comes close to the Chibi swim. Its a smaller jig with a 2/0 BKK. 2.8" and 3" trailers fit the jig very well. It has giant eyes as well, which I really like. BC has wire tied skirts with a band over the tie to sperate the layers. I like that they use krystal flash and or tinsel in most colors. I use 1/4 and 5/16, it depends on the cover and trailer I'm using. I like the zoom swiming fluke jr on this jig asa well, 2.8 keiechs and want to try the 2.7 and 3.2 new yamamoto swimbait.

My favorite all around swim jig is the Greenfish Swim Jig. The head shape coms through grass really well and the recessed eye doesn't collect grass or algae. The brushguard actually protects the hook somewhat. The hook is a Mustad med wire, which is light enough to set the hook at range without a ton of power, but its plenty strong to fish in heavy cover and pull fish out of it. Many swim jigs use hooks that unnecessarily too big and heavy. The heavy wire requires a heavier rod and more effort to set the hook. The skirt is a single layer, which gives it great action and allows you fish a lighter weight compared to heavily skirted swim jigs. The only part about this bait that can be improved IMO is the keeper. Its effective, but its a simple single barb lead collar, just not ideal for skipping. I tie an additional heavy flurocarbon keeper on the shank, which locks the bait it My go to weight is 1/4 like most other swim jigs. My absolute favorite is the 4" swammer, which gives the jig a ton of roll just reeling it in straight.

If the wind is not an issue then I'm fishing with a 1/4 ounce swimjig. If it's windy I'm fishing with a 1/2 ounce size. The 1/4 ounce size will pretty much get through the coontail and milfoil without picking up too much.