Summer has arrived, and with it salmon jigging season. As summer progresses, the salmon move into shallower water closer to shore. This means that you can leave the downriggers at home and get jigging.
Jigging for salmon is one of the most effective and exciting ways to catch these prized fish. When done properly, jigging allows you to entice reaction strikes from salmon by triggering their predatory instincts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to jig for salmon successfully.
What is Jigging?
Jigging refers to the act of vertically working a lure up and down in the water column. The jig lure is lowered to depth, then twitched and raised repeatedly. This vertical jigging motion mimics an injured baitfish, provoking instinctual strikes from predatory salmon.
Jigging is an active fishing method that puts you in full control of lure movement Unlike trolling where the boat moves the lure, when jigging you directly manipulate the lure’s action using your rod, reel, and wrist This level of control allows you to precisely trigger reaction strikes from salmon.
Why Jig for Salmon?
There are several key reasons why jigging is such an effective salmon fishing technique:
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Triggers Reaction Strikes: The wounded baitfish motion of a jigging lure triggers the predatory instincts of salmon, causing them to strike out of reflex rather than hunger. This allows you to catch actively feeding and neutral fish.
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Vertically Target Fish: Jigging lets you work a small area thoroughly, going after fish that are holding in a specific spot instead of hoping they see your trolling lure.
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Feel the Bite: With jigging, bites are telegraphed through your rod and line. This allows faster hooksets before salmon can spit the bait.
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Simple and Affordable: Jigging is an easy technique to learn. You only need one rod and reel set with monofilament or braid wound around it, along with a variety of jig lures.
Jigging Gear for Salmon
Having the right gear dialed in makes jigging for salmon much more effective and enjoyable. Here’s a look at what you need:
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Rod: A 6-7 foot medium or medium-heavy power fast action rod works well. This provides sensitivity to feel bites without being too stiff.
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Reel: Use a mid-size conventional or spinning reel with a smooth drag and fast retrieve ratio. Make sure it can hold 150+ yards of 15-20 lb test monofilament or braided line.
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Line: Monofilament or braid work well. Braid is very sensitive but requires a leader for abrasion resistance. Mono stretches to help absorb head shakes.
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Lures: Small 3-5 inch metal jigs like Buzz Bombs,Atoms, Crippled Herring, or Sassy Shads are salmon candy. Go with UV pinks, greens, blues, and chartreuse.
How to Work a Jig for Salmon
Mastering jigging technique is vital for getting salmon to strike your lure. Follow these tips:
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Use Your Wrist: For best action, work the jig using your wrist to pop and flutter the lure through rapid snaps.
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Vary Retrieval: Randomly change your jigging cadence from slow lifts to aggressive jerks and let the lure flutter on slack line in between.
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Watch Your Line: Any pause, tick, or jump in your line signals a potential salmon pick-up. Be ready to set the hook!
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Set Fast: Salmon mouth a jig before swallowing it. Set the hook immediately at the slightest line movement to maximize hookup ratios.
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Use Current and Structure: Position boat in current zones, tide lines, underwater humps & drop-offs for best results.
Where to Find Jigging Salmon
Locating salmon is the first step to jigging success. Focus on these prime salmon hangouts:
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Current Seams: Look for current edges where fast water meets slow water. Salmon hold in the calm zone and strike jigs swept in by the current.
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Structure: Points, underwater humps, ledges, and rock piles attract baitfish which salmon target.
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Tide Lines: Converging currents create color changes in the water where salmon patrol.
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Estuaries: Salmon stack up at river mouths and in harbor entrances waiting for the surge of incoming saltwater.
Putting it All Together
Follow this process to maximize your salmon jigging effectiveness:
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Find Fish: Use fishfinders, currents, structure, tide lines and surface activity to pinpoint salmon zones.
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Position Boat: Place your boat up-current so jigs drift naturally back over fish. Use the trolling motor to maintain position.
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Drop Jigs: Use varying colors and start with heavy 3-5 oz jigs. Lighten up once you determine depth salmon are holding.
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Work the Jig: Pop and flutter each jig as it drops, varying rhythm. Watch for any pause or tick signaling a pick-up.
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Hook Fish: When you feel anything unusual, immediately set the hook with a quick high rod sweep.
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Fight Fish: Once hooked up, take rod out of holder and have fun fighting the salmon!
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Reset: After landing or losing a fish, get your jig back down quickly. Salmon rarely spook from catches.
Pro Salmon Jigging Tips
To take your salmon jigging to the next level, incorporate these advanced tactics:
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Add scent like shrimp oil or anise to jigs for extra fish-attracting aroma.
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Use downriggers and divers to target specific depths when salmon aren’t high in water column.
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On calm days, increase jigging action to provide fish-calling noise and vibration.
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Watch your line on the drop for any sideways line jump indicating pick-up but no weight.
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Drop a herring tail or strip of squid on the jig hook for added visual and scent appeal.
As you can see, jigging is one of the most effective and exciting ways to catch salmon. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be hooking salmon after salmon. Pay close attention to locating fish, dialing in your gear, executing proper jigging technique, and fishing during optimal conditions. In no time you’ll be a salmon jigging expert!
What is Salmon jigging?
Jigging is sometimes called “jerk fishing.” This is not the same as the guy who takes over the launch ramp on a busy day. It’s been one of my favorite ways to fish since I was a kid, no matter what you call it. I still remember very clearly when my dad and I caught our first big spring in shallow water off of Texada Island. From that day on, I’ve been hooked. It was always more exciting for me to feel the fish test the lure and then hopefully grab it and run than to wait for the rod to pop off the downrigger clip. Another thing I enjoy is the peace and quiet of drifting with the current. It lets you really look around for baitfish, birds, or salmon jumping. In fact, with the motor off, your first clue to these activities is often heard, not seen. You can often find the salmon by hearing the splash of a jumping salmon, the rain-on-water sound of an approaching bait ball, or the squawks of sea birds.
I love playing a salmon from a boat that’s not moving. I even sometimes turn off the engine when I hook a fish while trolling to try to remember what it was like. I know that keeping the motor running is better for keeping the line tight, but I just like to drift while I play fish. Also, turning off the motor makes it much less likely that I’ll get my line caught in the propeller. However, I can still do this sometimes when I’m fishing a stubborn coho or not paying attention.
I also like the simplicity of jigging. There are no downrigger cables to clear, no release clips and no cannon balls. Just you, your rod, and (hopefully) a salmon. It is also a great way for beginning fishermen who aren’t rigged up for trolling to get started. Jigging is also very effective if done correctly. In fact, it can be more effective than trolling at certain times.
How to JIG for Salmon | Complete in Depth Guide for Beginners
FAQ
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