With the thousands of fishing tackle options, finding the perfect setup for your next fishing trip can be daunting. Check out our list of interchangeable lure and jig combinations to target a variety of sport fish.
Large Round Head Jig or Swimbait Jig
Jigs of a larger size are great to target bigger sport fish like Walleye, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
Paddle Tail Swimbait is a good lure to use with this jig because it imitates baitfish, like minnows. As you cast and reel the fishing rod, the tail of the lure moves with the water imitating baitfish to attract larger fish.
Medium Round Head Jig
Twister tails are a great universal lure to target most Pennsylvania sport fish species like larger Perch, crappie and other panfish. Also, reel in Walleye and bass using this setup.
Twister tails have a flimsy tail to create movement in the water when you cast and reel.
Small Round Head Jig
Just like its name, this jig is ideal to target smaller panfish like Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, crappie, or even a school of Yellow Perch. The setup for this jig typically uses a smaller lure, like a Curly Tail, to imitate smaller baitfish or critters, like crayfish.
Similarly, you can cast and reel the Small Round Head Jig to create movement in the water with the curly tail of the lure.
Ned Rig Jig
This jig is different from a typical jig as there is flexibility on how you cast and reel.
A Ned Rig Jig design allows it to sit on the water’s bottom. When paired with a straight tail lure that floats, the weighted part of the jig sits on the bottom of the water and the lure floats straight up. As a result, you can let it sit and the floating lure will move with the flow of the water. Or you can reel slowly or bounce the jig on the bottom to catch a fish’s attention.
This Ned Rig Jig setup is a popular for targeting Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in Pennsylvania’s lakes, rivers and streams.
Set Up Your Jig
The next step is to set up your jig and lure before you cast a line.
To attach a lure to a jig…
- Place the hook of the jig over top of the lure to see where the hook will come out.
- Mark the spot where the hook comes out with your thumb.
- Then thread the hook through the lure.
- Pop the hook out where you marked the lure with your thumb.
If you plan to use this jig setup often, you can super glue the end of your plastic lure to the weighted end of your jig. Then, your lure is securely fastened to your jig.
With your tackle box full of lure and jigs, you are ready to cast a line! Grab a friend and find a waterway near you to put your new set up to the test.
Your fishing license dollars at work.
Funds from fishing license sales help the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) protect and improve water quality and protect and manage reptiles, amphibians and other aquatic life. The agency works to ensure aquatic resources remain protected and water quality supports aquatic life. PFBC also tracks endangered, threatened and rare animals under the PFBC’s jurisdiction and manages species restoration efforts and habitat protections and improvement.
