2010 Year of the jig?

KevinsDriftboat · 12-23-2009, 07:47 PM

Could it be that this coming year the jigs effectiveness out performs everything else for Steelhead? It sure seems that a majority of fishers on the river are using them, and being very successful at it.

I know its working for me

mullert · 12-23-2009, 07:52 PM

Let's hope! Got mine all rigged up for the morning. I've been talking to guys who have been getting action on jigs. Lots of options with colors.

Huntin'Around · 12-23-2009, 10:00 PM

I hooked one with a homemade jig this morning, in fact my first winter steelhead ever. Too bad i couldnt land it

David Johnson · 12-23-2009, 10:39 PM

I don't know, I've been using them very successfully since 1994, they are as good now as they were then.

SPL · 12-24-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Johnson

I don't know, I've been using them very successfully since 1994, they are as good now as they were then.

Exactly. We've been using them since the early 90's on the Snake and Columbia, and in recent years have started learning thier effectiveness on smaller water.

bankhog · 12-24-2009, 02:11 PM

Will this be the year that one of you jig experts will take a stubborn drift fisherman like me under your wing and show me how to get jiggy with it? Time will tell. I have the right rod and reel and a few jigs. I just need to be shown the ropes. Anyone feel confident they can show me how it's done?

feisty · 12-24-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Johnson

I don't know, I've been using them very successfully since 1994, they are as good now as they were then.

DJ, you are the man who would catch a steelhead in a dry puddle, with a dull pin.

Troutier bassier · 12-24-2009, 03:18 PM

LOL!
Jigs dont work!

Just kidding. I love jigs. Best jig was a pink first bite jig for me. Caught a few coho with that.

KevinsDriftboat · 12-26-2009, 06:46 PM

How many folks carry only a jig rod? It sure saves on the carrying load, I rarely lose a bobber. Some leader and a pile of jigs, is a fun way to spend the day.

RiverMan · 12-26-2009, 06:53 PM

I was tying my own jigs for steelhead in the early 80's. At that time I was casting them and hopping them back to me............I killed em on it. In one year I caught more than 40 doing this. I didn't start fishing them under a float until probably 10 years after that.

RM

Maddie'sDaddy · 12-26-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

How many folks carry only a jig rod? It sure saves on the carrying load, I rarely lose a bobber. Some leader and a pile of jigs, is a fun way to spend the day.

That would be how I do it

Same as you I rarely loose a bobber setup but do sometimes loose an occasional jig to those pesky Steelhead stumps

MD

Mud Duck · 12-26-2009, 07:26 PM

I love jigs and jig fishing! A fish hooked on a jig rarely gets off [due to being solidly hooked thru the snout most the time] unless it finds some rock ledges, and is fun to play on light weight spinning gear [for me anyway].
Is the jig going to be the biggest "lure" of 2010? I doubt it. Every guide I have seen at seminars preeches Side-drifting. Most of them preech "Yarnies." They will also jig fish, but not as much. I guess we will see.
I honestly wish other fisherman would not steel my set-up!...LOL

abufreak · 12-26-2009, 08:17 PM

still whackin em on drift gear here...

Wild Chrome · 12-26-2009, 08:25 PM

I still remember all the weird looks I got back in the mid '90's when I went to float fishing as my #1 winter steelhead technique. If there were 20 guys at the river, I was often the only float-fisher. People's eyes got really big when I had a pink worm tied on! Looked like they were seeing a martian or something!

But, oh the looks when they saw the fish I was dragging out!

It was a total edge!

Today, its become so mundane........lost some of its edge.

Now I'm looking for the next big thing.

Maybe drift fishing?

Actually, I found this one technique this fall..........

JustCallMeDave · 12-26-2009, 08:37 PM

By the time I learned the Electric Slide, that craze was long-since over. Now that I know that 2010 is the year of the jig, I've got time to practice.

Thanks, and off to find some Riverdance DVD's!

pontuna · 12-26-2009, 08:40 PM

I remember years ago when i first was afflicted with this fishing sickness... we were fishing in low gin water and my bud tied me on this lettle jig and w blip of a bobber, and i was like "this is what we catch them on? wait dont these fish get like. big"? he's all uh yeah, just cast. thanks pal.. you've cost me who knows how much money by hooking me up with that first fish. but all together made happen countless memories and a good deal of friendships because of it too. Jigs rock, it's what i got in my stocking this year! woo!

fishn79 · 12-26-2009, 09:02 PM

New to jig fishing. Want to get good at it. Seems like a solid way to catch'em.

billjr64 · 12-27-2009, 07:33 AM

1980 something, headed to Blue Creek with a newly wrapped rod{old fly rod with a butt and spinning guides added, length about 11`}. Bunch of guys using BOBBERS ? for steelhead. Wanting to fit in with the crowd I looked through my tackle and found a cork bobber and a red/white crappie jig. There was a stump that someone had cut into a chair years before that and along with the longer rod put me 15` or so above everyone else, giving me total command of the entire drift. 23 takedowns later I put fish number 2 on the bank, that 1/32 oz. crappie jig kept straightening out. After I was done I headed to the old tackle store above Blue Creek where I was introduced to the Leo`s jig. Still the most productive jig for me but I don`t think they`re made any more, I bought out all they had when Manchesters in Longview used to carry them and still have a few left. But the fish I caught yesterday was really old school, corky and a hook, no bait, yarn or bling. Bill

cosmic cowboy · 12-27-2009, 08:37 AM

I just got back from the clackamas where I lost 3 worms drifting.I did my time honored walk through the high water line now that the river is dropping and found a couple of nice jigs. It used to be corkies and oakies...now jigs. Times are changing and after donating tackle for an hour or so I am home to set up my bobber and decide which of my home tied jigs are going to get wet. rock...rock..huh?...rock. Please Mr. Fish god, give this aging farmboy a telltale "bobber down". Happy new year!

Dragfreedrift · 12-27-2009, 01:12 PM

I've found with so many people using jigs now that a certain % of fish in the river will get turned off to the things constantly coming at them all day.

So, that means using other methods. I recall a day two years ago where I fished behind two jig guys in a popular spot. It was 2 for me, zero for them.

Jigs work, but so does the other stuff!

12pulls · 12-27-2009, 02:09 PM

Saw it first used on the Salmon River in the mid 80's. Might want to think of '09 as the year of the jig with the popularity brought on by them though.

hunt2much · 12-27-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Johnson

I don't know, I've been using them very successfully since 1994, they are as good now as they were then.

Funny same here!!! Some where in the early 90's... 91-93... I fished quite a few times with the original jig fisherman... Jim Bradbury... well, the first to really market it. He gave me lots of jigs on the river and we used to murder the summers.

I still think 75% of "jig fisherman" still dont truely understand jigs, current, maribou etc... or how to fish em' right!

But hey what ever sells tackle!

2010 year of the jig
2011 year of the spinner
2012 year of the spoon
2013 year of the corkie
2014 year of the sandshrimp

what did i forget???

sorry all just teasin!

summoner7 · 12-27-2009, 06:35 PM

I was born in '77, but I've been using jigs under a bobber since '75...

Seriously though, I'm down with a 2010 year of the jig. I can rig one up and toss it out and hope to get lucky, but I think there's more to it than that to be deadly with them--just like hunt2much said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunt2much

...
I still think 75% of "jig fisherman" still dont truely understand jigs, current, maribou etc... or how to fish em' right!
...

PTS · 12-27-2009, 07:03 PM

For all you "youngsters": In the 70's and 80's in the USA you either drift fished or cast spinners and spoons. It took a lot of experience to become a skilled drift fisherman. The ability to feel the tick of the bottom and translate the difference between that and a subtle take of a steelhead does not come easy. The 10%, or less, 90% rule was never more true.

Add a bobber and there still are some special skills involved but, honestly, how hard is it to tell when steel grabs your jig or bait. The bobber brings catching to a much easier level for the masses. "Not that there is anything wrong with that!"

A lot of credit should go to my old fishing partner, Jim Bradbury. Besides his seminars, he would stand around at all the fishing shows with a rod rigged up with bobber and jig and explain the method to anyone who would listen.

However, at heart, Jim was a flyfisherman. For me, after 30+ years with the drift rod, while I hated to give up the skills developed, you reach the point of having caught enough steelhead the "easy ways". When you reach that point pick up a flyrod (spey rod for the big water Sandy and Clackamas) and flyfish for Winter steel. I won't match the numbers of those with gear but at some point it's not how many but the challenge of how.

KevinsDriftboat · 12-27-2009, 07:12 PM

Thank you Phil, I hope to see you out there soon. I might even be toting a flyrod!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTS

For all you "youngsters": In the 70's and 80's in the USA you either drift fished or cast spinners and spoons. It took a lot of experience to become a skilled drift fisherman. The ability to feel the tick of the bottom and translate the difference between that and a subtle take of a steelhead does not come easy. The 10%, or less, 90% rule was never more true.

Add a bobber and there still are some special skills involved but, honestly, how hard is it to tell when steel grabs your jig or bait. The bobber brings catching to a much easier level for the masses. "Not that there is anything wrong with that!"

A lot of credit should go to my old fishing partner, Jim Bradbury. Besides his seminars, he would stand around at all the fishing shows with a rod rigged up with bobber and jig and explain the method to anyone who would listen.

However, at heart, Jim was a flyfisherman. For me, after 30+ years with the drift rod, while I hated to give up the skills developed, you reach the point of having caught enough steelhead the "easy ways". When you reach that point pick up a flyrod (spey rod for the big water Sandy and Clackamas) and flyfish for Winter steel. I won't match the numbers of those with gear but at some point it's not how many but the challenge of how.

KevinsDriftboat · 12-27-2009, 08:22 PM

Your getting it down, it just takes a little time. We will get it done soon!

Quote:

Originally Posted by summoner7

I was born in '77, but I've been using jigs under a bobber since '75...

Seriously though, I'm down with a 2010 year of the jig. I can rig one up and toss it out and hope to get lucky, but I think there's more to it than that to be deadly with them--just like hunt2much said:

hunt2much · 12-27-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTS

For all you "youngsters": In the 70's and 80's in the USA you either drift fished or cast spinners and spoons. It took a lot of experience to become a skilled drift fisherman. The ability to feel the tick of the bottom and translate the difference between that and a subtle take of a steelhead does not come easy. The 10%, or less, 90% rule was never more true.

Add a bobber and there still are some special skills involved but, honestly, how hard is it to tell when steel grabs your jig or bait. The bobber brings catching to a much easier level for the masses. "Not that there is anything wrong with that!"

A lot of credit should go to my old fishing partner, Jim Bradbury. Besides his seminars, he would stand around at all the fishing shows with a rod rigged up with bobber and jig and explain the method to anyone who would listen.

However, at heart, Jim was a flyfisherman. For me, after 30+ years with the drift rod, while I hated to give up the skills developed, you reach the point of having caught enough steelhead the "easy ways". When you reach that point pick up a flyrod (spey rod for the big water Sandy and Clackamas) and flyfish for Winter steel. I won't match the numbers of those with gear but at some point it's not how many but the challenge of how.

Ditto!!! I've just began spey rod fishing last year... Think I've caught 5-10 in the last 2 years. But oh baby...13.5' Sage Z-Axis! Love it!!!

bankhog · 12-27-2009, 10:22 PM

Lots of people who seem to have lots of confidence, but not one person with enough confidence to feel comfortable teaching someone new to the jig scene how to do it. Hmmm.

I want to be a jig fisherman's prodigy. Who wants to be my teacher?

KevinsDriftboat · 12-28-2009, 09:15 AM

You help is right here on ifish. The biggest mistake I see is too short or heavy of a leader.
What do you need help with?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

Lots of people who seem to have lots of confidence, but not one person with enough confidence to feel comfortable teaching someone new to the jig scene how to do it. Hmmm.

I want to be a jig fisherman's prodigy. Who wants to be my teacher?

FishinTechnician · 12-28-2009, 10:04 AM

2009 was the year of the jig for me. I had fished them from time to time but never caught anything on them until this Fall. While fishing the Deschutes for Summer Steelhead and catching fish on wobblers and spinners I thought what the heck with all these fish in the river why not try a jig. Hooked a fish on the first cast and caught thirty more in three days of fishing. What a confidence booster. Went back to wobblers and spinners and never hooked another fish on them but they kept taking the jig. Fished the jig 24" to 30" below the bobber and used 12lb Fluorocarbon leaders with a 1/8oz black/red jig. Couldn't fish all the water I could with hardware but it still worked well for me. Can't wait to try them on Winter fish.

JHawKS · 12-28-2009, 10:13 AM

jigs are too expensive...id rather just lose some yarn and a hook...maybe a little bait.

hunt2much · 12-28-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHawKS

jigs are too expensive...id rather just lose some yarn and a hook...maybe a little bait.

Bobbers are worse yet!!! but wait... sandshrimp aren't? LOL

only teasin here. I fish it all! Sand Shrimp, eggs, spinners, jigs, kwiks, wigs, hots, tads,

And now im im really lovin the spey! Ahhhh nymphing...which is essentially bobber and jig fishing!!! LOL maybe that why im a good spey fisherman??? Hmmmmm

bankhog · 12-28-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

You help is right here on ifish. The biggest mistake I see is too short or heavy of a leader.
What do you need help with?

I think my biggest issue is finding the right type of water to float fish. Most of my steelhead fishing is done on small creeks so by the time the jig sinks it's already at the end of the tailout. I fish from the bank mostly for steelhead and I would like to learn some spots locally to float fish.

KalamaGeo · 12-29-2009, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

I think my biggest issue is finding the right type of water to float fish. Most of my steelhead fishing is done on small creeks so by the time the jig sinks it's already at the end of the tailout. I fish from the bank mostly for steelhead and I would like to learn some spots locally to float fish.

Actually, you just described the perfect spinner water!!

I'm off to the river!!........................................... .................

River Ranger · 12-29-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

I want to be a jig fisherman's prodigy. Who wants to be my teacher?

Get your self the video made by First Bite Jigs and you'll have a good head start.

RR.

Joe Schmo · 12-29-2009, 06:41 AM

I'm just thankful that this isn't a "Year of the PINK WORM" thread!!! I would have to take the year off...

SalmonBuster · 12-29-2009, 08:44 AM

I've been mostly a drift fisherman my whole life. But 2010 will be the year that I'll try more of jig fishing. I have a whole box full of steelhead jig's from Ifish swap's to try out.

Wild Chrome · 12-29-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

I think my biggest issue is finding the right type of water to float fish. Most of my steelhead fishing is done on small creeks so by the time the jig sinks it's already at the end of the tailout. I fish from the bank mostly for steelhead and I would like to learn some spots locally to float fish.

Are you using a slip float? If so, switching to a fixed float (Thill Turbo Master or River Master) may solve your problem. Also, consider more weight/heavier jig. I've never found small water to be a hinderance to float fishing.

crfsteelheader · 12-29-2009, 09:48 AM

I still use that technique on summer runs and real late season winter runs. Dark red bucktail I dyed up myself... must look like a crawdad or something...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverMan

I was tying my own jigs for steelhead in the early 80's. At that time I was casting them and hopping them back to me............I killed em on it. In one year I caught more than 40 doing this. I didn't start fishing them under a float until probably 10 years after that.

RM

KevinsDriftboat · 01-01-2010, 09:29 AM

Read about how Jeff and I prepped for "2010 Year of the Jig"

http://www.jkbworld.com/fishing/last...009-steelhead/

PTS · 01-01-2010, 09:57 AM

Great report, Mitch! Nice fish and finish to 2009. I am mad at myself for being a wuss yesterday and not fishing in the rain. Today, I am a wuss for not trying in the high and rising water. Good luck in 2010. Hope to see you on the river.

KevinsDriftboat · 01-01-2010, 10:17 AM

Phil, the good news is how high these bright fish were already up the Clack. Great fly water!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTS

Great report, Mitch! Nice fish and finish to 2009. I am mad at myself for being a wuss yesterday and not fishing in the rain. Today, I am a wuss for not trying in the high and rising water. Good luck in 2010. Hope to see you on the river.

Greg516 · 01-01-2010, 10:47 AM

Great job Mitch and gang!!!

k12580h · 01-01-2010, 12:35 PM

Nice fish way to go.

bankhog · 01-01-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Chrome

Are you using a slip float? If so, switching to a fixed float (Thill Turbo Master or River Master) may solve your problem. Also, consider more weight/heavier jig. I've never found small water to be a hinderance to float fishing.

I use thill turbo masters and 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jigs. I went to Eagle Creek yesterday and left my drift rod at home on purpose to force myself to use jigs. Very frustrating. No bites. I feel pretty confident that I could have caught at least one drift fishing. I'm trying to make it the year of the jig, but it might turn into the year of the empty freezer instead if I don't figure this stuff out.

Wild Chrome · 01-02-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

I use thill turbo masters and 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jigs. I went to Eagle Creek yesterday and left my drift rod at home on purpose to force myself to use jigs. Very frustrating. No bites. I feel pretty confident that I could have caught at least one drift fishing. I'm trying to make it the year of the jig, but it might turn into the year of the empty freezer instead if I don't figure this stuff out.

You mentioned your jig being at the end of the tailout by the time it sinks. I'm gonna go out on a limb and state I think you're float-fishing drift-fishing water. Try to find slower seams. There's a lot of water in the Eagle canyon that's too fast to be good float water. Also, it's been so cold lately.....fishin's been kind of slow for me and the fish I've found have been in pretty moderate pace water. I fished Eagle a few weeks ago and it was 39 degrees. Clack has been ~36 up till this recent rain. I bet a lot of fish stopped moving, esp in the Clack.
You'll get it down sooner or later.

JDarr · 01-02-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abufreak

still whackin em on drift gear here...

That's awesome!!!
I like a little of both...it's like eating cookies... chocolate chip is great, but every once in a while you want a peanut butter...or eve oatmill raisin.

JD

FishingTheWest · 01-02-2010, 06:39 PM

Jig fishin is easier than drift fishing. We're just getting lazy.

Krusty · 01-02-2010, 06:45 PM

I can even toss jigs out of my chair!!!

Steel_DC · 01-02-2010, 07:13 PM

My dad taught me how to drift fish when I was 10, and I thank him for it. I do agree that jig and bobber is effective. Maybe more so than drifting. What I do enjoy is the connection between myself and I am offering, and that subtle difference when I set the hook. To me, I guess its not the fillets in the freezer, but the connection to the unseen.

bankhog · 01-02-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Chrome

You mentioned your jig being at the end of the tailout by the time it sinks. I'm gonna go out on a limb and state I think you're float-fishing drift-fishing water. Try to find slower seams. There's a lot of water in the Eagle canyon that's too fast to be good float water. Also, it's been so cold lately.....fishin's been kind of slow for me and the fish I've found have been in pretty moderate pace water. I fished Eagle a few weeks ago and it was 39 degrees. Clack has been ~36 up till this recent rain. I bet a lot of fish stopped moving, esp in the Clack.
You'll get it down sooner or later.

I think you're probably right. It's hard for me to find the right water to fish bobber and jigs. I need to learn some new water.

bankhog · 01-02-2010, 08:50 PM

Where is the best spot on the Clack for a bank fisherman to fish jigs?

KevinsDriftboat · 01-02-2010, 09:17 PM

Your statement has increadible insight, thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel_DC

My dad taught me how to drift fish when I was 10, and I thank him for it. I do agree that jig and bobber is effective. Maybe more so than drifting. What I do enjoy is the connection between myself and I am offering, and that subtle difference when I set the hook. To me, I guess its not the fillets in the freezer, but the connection to the unseen.

wayout · 01-03-2010, 07:38 AM

A bare jig, or a jig tipped with bait? I've bobber fished with bait for summer and winter steelhead since about 1980, when I learned from an old fellow on the Salmon River (Sandy trib) that it was the best way to avoid hanging up in a rock garden. Many ifish threads on jig fishing talk about tipping the jig with bait, and it seems like the majority do, although I haven't seen a poll on this. Not much different than me putting a little yarn on the hook carrying my sand shrimp or eggs.

Yes, there is definitely bobber water, and non-bobber water. The really fast water is tough, but standard drift speed at about 2fps "walking speed" is fine if you have enough weight to get the presentation down in the zone.

I'm interested in Kevin's ideas on leader length for jigs, and how might that vary from the Clackamas to Eagle Creek?

bankhog · 01-03-2010, 11:59 AM

I gave jigs a chance again yesterday. I fished every hole with a bobber and jig first. Then I drift fished the holes with yarn. No fish on the jigs, but I hooked three on yarn. I even caught a steelhead on a spoon yesterday for the first time. The one I caught on the spoon came from a hole I fished pretty hard with bobber and jig and drift gear prior to tossing the spoon.

KevinsDriftboat · 01-03-2010, 02:33 PM

I'd like to hear more details. What kind of jig, float and leader? And some details on the spoon? Jigs are eaten, spoons are attacked in defense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

I gave jigs a chance again yesterday. I fished every hole with a bobber and jig first. Then I drift fished the holes with yarn. No fish on the jigs, but I hooked three on yarn. I even caught a steelhead on a spoon yesterday for the first time. The one I caught on the spoon came from a hole I fished pretty hard with bobber and jig and drift gear prior to tossing the spoon.

pokermonkey · 01-03-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunt2much

Funny same here!!! Some where in the early 90's... 91-93... I fished quite a few times with the original jig fisherman... Jim Bradbury... well, the first to really market it. He gave me lots of jigs on the river and we used to murder the summers.

I still think 75% of "jig fisherman" still dont truely understand jigs, current, maribou etc... or how to fish em' right!

But hey what ever sells tackle!

2010 year of the jig
2011 year of the spinner
2012 year of the spoon
2013 year of the corkie
2014 year of the sandshrimp

what did i forget???

sorry all just teasin!

2015 year of the nightcrawler and the mullet haircut - back to basics

bankhog · 01-03-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

I'd like to hear more details. What kind of jig, float and leader? And some details on the spoon? Jigs are eaten, spoons are attacked in defense.

Variety of 1/8 oz beau mac jigs combos of pink, cerise, red, black, white and purple. 10 lb gamma with a thill turbo master fixed. no leader. The spoon was a brass and orange steelee.

KevinsDriftboat · 01-03-2010, 10:03 PM

No Orange jigs? Is the gamma blue?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankhog

Variety of 1/8 oz beau mac jigs combos of pink, cerise, red, black, white and purple. 10 lb gamma with a thill turbo master fixed. no leader. The spoon was a brass and orange steelee.

bankhog · 01-04-2010, 11:17 AM

I didn't try orange and the gamma is clear. The water was not very clear. Kind of milky.

12-23-2009, 07:52 PM	#2
mullert Chromer Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gresham Posts: 681	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Let's hope! Got mine all rigged up for the morning. I've been talking to guys who have been getting action on jigs. Lots of options with colors.

12-23-2009, 10:00 PM	#3
Huntin'Around Steelhead Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CANBY,OR Posts: 288	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I hooked one with a homemade jig this morning, in fact my first winter steelhead ever. Too bad i couldnt land it

12-23-2009, 10:39 PM	#4
David Johnson King Salmon Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Oregon Coast Posts: 6,675	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I don't know, I've been using them very successfully since 1994, they are as good now as they were then. __________________ NOW BOOKING SUMMER STEEL, OCEAN SALMON, B10 AND FALL CHINOOK! Fishing Reports Here! www.davidjohnsonsguideservice.com fishermand@aol.com 503-201-4292

12-24-2009, 02:11 PM	#6
bankhog Chromer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gladstone, OR Posts: 946	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Will this be the year that one of you jig experts will take a stubborn drift fisherman like me under your wing and show me how to get jiggy with it? Time will tell. I have the right rod and reel and a few jigs. I just need to be shown the ropes. Anyone feel confident they can show me how it's done? __________________ Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.

12-24-2009, 03:18 PM	#8
Troutier bassier Coho Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairview, OR Posts: 76	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? LOL! Jigs dont work! Just kidding. I love jigs. Best jig was a pink first bite jig for me. Caught a few coho with that. __________________ Theres a place for ALL of gods animals, right next to the mashed potatoes. www.Myspace.com/George_jake_fish

12-23-2009, 07:47 PM	#1
KevinsDriftboat King Salmon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Palmer Alaska Posts: 7,681	2010 Year of the jig? Could it be that this coming year the jigs effectiveness out performs everything else for Steelhead? It sure seems that a majority of fishers on the river are using them, and being very successful at it. I know its working for me __________________ You have a friend in Alaska! Thank God I am not a Flatfish!

12-26-2009, 06:46 PM	#9
KevinsDriftboat King Salmon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Palmer Alaska Posts: 7,681	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? How many folks carry only a jig rod? It sure saves on the carrying load, I rarely lose a bobber. Some leader and a pile of jigs, is a fun way to spend the day. __________________ You have a friend in Alaska! Thank God I am not a Flatfish!

12-26-2009, 06:53 PM	#10
RiverMan Ifish Nate Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,936	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I was tying my own jigs for steelhead in the early 80's. At that time I was casting them and hopping them back to me............I killed em on it. In one year I caught more than 40 doing this. I didn't start fishing them under a float until probably 10 years after that. RM

12-26-2009, 07:26 PM	#12
Mud Duck Steelhead Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Springfield, OR Posts: 331	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I love jigs and jig fishing! A fish hooked on a jig rarely gets off [due to being solidly hooked thru the snout most the time] unless it finds some rock ledges, and is fun to play on light weight spinning gear [for me anyway]. Is the jig going to be the biggest "lure" of 2010? I doubt it. Every guide I have seen at seminars preeches Side-drifting. Most of them preech "Yarnies." They will also jig fish, but not as much. I guess we will see. I honestly wish other fisherman would not steel my set-up!...LOL

12-26-2009, 08:17 PM	#13
abufreak Chromer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 620	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? still whackin em on drift gear here...

12-26-2009, 08:25 PM	#14
Wild Chrome Ifish Nate Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: In The River Posts: 2,427	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I still remember all the weird looks I got back in the mid '90's when I went to float fishing as my #1 winter steelhead technique. If there were 20 guys at the river, I was often the only float-fisher. People's eyes got really big when I had a pink worm tied on! Looked like they were seeing a martian or something! But, oh the looks when they saw the fish I was dragging out!It was a total edge! Today, its become so mundane........lost some of its edge. Now I'm looking for the next big thing. Maybe drift fishing? Actually, I found this one technique this fall.......... __________________ The reason I fish is because I like to experience the fish. I want to see them; I want to hear them; I want to smell them........Larry Dahlberg

12-26-2009, 08:37 PM	#15
JustCallMeDave The Mods Must Be Crazy! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Casting between the waves where dinner lies waiting Posts: 25,074	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? By the time I learned the Electric Slide, that craze was long-since over. Now that I know that 2010 is the year of the jig, I've got time to practice. Thanks, and off to find some Riverdance DVD's! __________________

12-26-2009, 08:40 PM	#16
pontuna Steelhead Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: hermiston Posts: 263	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I remember years ago when i first was afflicted with this fishing sickness... we were fishing in low gin water and my bud tied me on this lettle jig and w blip of a bobber, and i was like "this is what we catch them on? wait dont these fish get like. big"? he's all uh yeah, just cast. thanks pal.. you've cost me who knows how much money by hooking me up with that first fish. but all together made happen countless memories and a good deal of friendships because of it too. Jigs rock, it's what i got in my stocking this year! woo! __________________ "fronti nul-la fides" -no reliance can be placed upon appearance

12-26-2009, 09:02 PM	#17
fishn79 Coho Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 78	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? New to jig fishing. Want to get good at it. Seems like a solid way to catch'em.

12-27-2009, 07:33 AM	#18
billjr64 Chromer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 697	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? 1980 something, headed to Blue Creek with a newly wrapped rod{old fly rod with a butt and spinning guides added, length about 11`}. Bunch of guys using BOBBERS ? for steelhead. Wanting to fit in with the crowd I looked through my tackle and found a cork bobber and a red/white crappie jig. There was a stump that someone had cut into a chair years before that and along with the longer rod put me 15` or so above everyone else, giving me total command of the entire drift. 23 takedowns later I put fish number 2 on the bank, that 1/32 oz. crappie jig kept straightening out. After I was done I headed to the old tackle store above Blue Creek where I was introduced to the Leo`s jig. Still the most productive jig for me but I don`t think they`re made any more, I bought out all they had when Manchesters in Longview used to carry them and still have a few left. But the fish I caught yesterday was really old school, corky and a hook, no bait, yarn or bling. Bill

12-27-2009, 08:37 AM	#19
cosmic cowboy Chromer Join Date: May 2009 Location: in a farm house Posts: 537	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I just got back from the clackamas where I lost 3 worms drifting.I did my time honored walk through the high water line now that the river is dropping and found a couple of nice jigs. It used to be corkies and oakies...now jigs. Times are changing and after donating tackle for an hour or so I am home to set up my bobber and decide which of my home tied jigs are going to get wet. rock...rock..huh?...rock. Please Mr. Fish god, give this aging farmboy a telltale "bobber down". Happy new year! __________________ Im not a complete idiot...some parts are missing Don't take life too seriously 'cause you can't get out alive

12-27-2009, 01:12 PM	#20
Dragfreedrift Tuna! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,139	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I've found with so many people using jigs now that a certain % of fish in the river will get turned off to the things constantly coming at them all day. So, that means using other methods. I recall a day two years ago where I fished behind two jig guys in a popular spot. It was 2 for me, zero for them. Jigs work, but so does the other stuff! __________________ Team Stealth Floats

12-27-2009, 02:09 PM	#21
12pulls Ifish Nate Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 3,118	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Saw it first used on the Salmon River in the mid 80's. Might want to think of '09 as the year of the jig with the popularity brought on by them though. __________________ "It seems, in fact, as though the second half of a man's life is made up of nothing, but the habits he has accumulated during the first half." Fyodor Dostoevsky

12-27-2009, 07:03 PM	#24
PTS Steelhead Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Clackamas Posts: 498	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? For all you "youngsters": In the 70's and 80's in the USA you either drift fished or cast spinners and spoons. It took a lot of experience to become a skilled drift fisherman. The ability to feel the tick of the bottom and translate the difference between that and a subtle take of a steelhead does not come easy. The 10%, or less, 90% rule was never more true. Add a bobber and there still are some special skills involved but, honestly, how hard is it to tell when steel grabs your jig or bait. The bobber brings catching to a much easier level for the masses. "Not that there is anything wrong with that!" A lot of credit should go to my old fishing partner, Jim Bradbury. Besides his seminars, he would stand around at all the fishing shows with a rod rigged up with bobber and jig and explain the method to anyone who would listen. However, at heart, Jim was a flyfisherman. For me, after 30+ years with the drift rod, while I hated to give up the skills developed, you reach the point of having caught enough steelhead the "easy ways". When you reach that point pick up a flyrod (spey rod for the big water Sandy and Clackamas) and flyfish for Winter steel. I won't match the numbers of those with gear but at some point it's not how many but the challenge of how.

12-27-2009, 10:22 PM	#28
bankhog Chromer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gladstone, OR Posts: 946	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Lots of people who seem to have lots of confidence, but not one person with enough confidence to feel comfortable teaching someone new to the jig scene how to do it. Hmmm. I want to be a jig fisherman's prodigy. Who wants to be my teacher? __________________ Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.

12-28-2009, 10:04 AM	#30
FishinTechnician Chromer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Columbia City, OR Posts: 786	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? 2009 was the year of the jig for me. I had fished them from time to time but never caught anything on them until this Fall. While fishing the Deschutes for Summer Steelhead and catching fish on wobblers and spinners I thought what the heck with all these fish in the river why not try a jig. Hooked a fish on the first cast and caught thirty more in three days of fishing. What a confidence booster. Went back to wobblers and spinners and never hooked another fish on them but they kept taking the jig. Fished the jig 24" to 30" below the bobber and used 12lb Fluorocarbon leaders with a 1/8oz black/red jig. Couldn't fish all the water I could with hardware but it still worked well for me. Can't wait to try them on Winter fish.

12-28-2009, 10:13 AM	#31
JHawKS Steelhead Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 275	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? jigs are too expensive...id rather just lose some yarn and a hook...maybe a little bait.

12-29-2009, 06:41 AM	#36
Joe Schmo Chromer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 940	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I'm just thankful that this isn't a "Year of the PINK WORM" thread!!! I would have to take the year off... __________________ If I had the money I'd fill my boat with monkeys and teach them how to side-drift... it wouldn't take more than an hour.

12-29-2009, 08:44 AM	#37
SalmonBuster Chromer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Oroville, California Posts: 581	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I've been mostly a drift fisherman my whole life. But 2010 will be the year that I'll try more of jig fishing. I have a whole box full of steelhead jig's from Ifish swap's to try out. __________________ The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. ~John Buchan

01-01-2010, 09:29 AM	#40
KevinsDriftboat King Salmon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Palmer Alaska Posts: 7,681	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Read about how Jeff and I prepped for "2010 Year of the Jig" http://www.jkbworld.com/fishing/last...009-steelhead/ __________________ You have a friend in Alaska! Thank God I am not a Flatfish!

01-01-2010, 09:57 AM	#41
PTS Steelhead Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Clackamas Posts: 498	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Great report, Mitch! Nice fish and finish to 2009. I am mad at myself for being a wuss yesterday and not fishing in the rain. Today, I am a wuss for not trying in the high and rising water. Good luck in 2010. Hope to see you on the river.

01-01-2010, 10:47 AM	#43
Greg516 Chromer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GP area Posts: 927	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Great job Mitch and gang!!!

01-01-2010, 12:35 PM	#44
k12580h Steelhead Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oregon City Posts: 331	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Nice fish way to go.

01-02-2010, 06:39 PM	#48
FishingTheWest Steelhead Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 133	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Jig fishin is easier than drift fishing. We're just getting lazy.

01-02-2010, 06:45 PM	#49
Krusty Tuna! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Clackamas Posts: 1,061	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I can even toss jigs out of my chair!!! __________________ Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm. James Madison, Federalist No. 10, November 23, 1787 Last edited by Krusty; 01-02-2010 at 07:35 PM.

01-02-2010, 07:13 PM	#50
Steel_DC Coho Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 65	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? My dad taught me how to drift fish when I was 10, and I thank him for it. I do agree that jig and bobber is effective. Maybe more so than drifting. What I do enjoy is the connection between myself and I am offering, and that subtle difference when I set the hook. To me, I guess its not the fillets in the freezer, but the connection to the unseen.

01-02-2010, 08:50 PM	#52
bankhog Chromer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gladstone, OR Posts: 946	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? Where is the best spot on the Clack for a bank fisherman to fish jigs? __________________ Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.

01-03-2010, 07:38 AM	#54
wayout Ifish Nate Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 2,458	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? A bare jig, or a jig tipped with bait? I've bobber fished with bait for summer and winter steelhead since about 1980, when I learned from an old fellow on the Salmon River (Sandy trib) that it was the best way to avoid hanging up in a rock garden. Many ifish threads on jig fishing talk about tipping the jig with bait, and it seems like the majority do, although I haven't seen a poll on this. Not much different than me putting a little yarn on the hook carrying my sand shrimp or eggs. Yes, there is definitely bobber water, and non-bobber water. The really fast water is tough, but standard drift speed at about 2fps "walking speed" is fine if you have enough weight to get the presentation down in the zone. I'm interested in Kevin's ideas on leader length for jigs, and how might that vary from the Clackamas to Eagle Creek? __________________ Get Me Out of Here and Let's Go Fishing!!

01-03-2010, 11:59 AM	#55
bankhog Chromer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gladstone, OR Posts: 946	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I gave jigs a chance again yesterday. I fished every hole with a bobber and jig first. Then I drift fished the holes with yarn. No fish on the jigs, but I hooked three on yarn. I even caught a steelhead on a spoon yesterday for the first time. The one I caught on the spoon came from a hole I fished pretty hard with bobber and jig and drift gear prior to tossing the spoon. __________________ Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.

01-04-2010, 11:17 AM	#60
bankhog Chromer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gladstone, OR Posts: 946	Re: 2010 Year of the jig? I didn't try orange and the gamma is clear. The water was not very clear. Kind of milky. __________________ Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.