Florida bass fishing pro John Cox loves swim jigs to cover water fast and get bit, but he admits bass are quick to get conditioned to it. Like ChatterBait fishing, his remedy is to remove the skirt and thread on a realistic paddle tail swimbait. A swim jig and paddle tail combination add an element of refinement that can generate fresh bites even in heavily pressured areas.
Cox shares his preferred jig head and swimbait combo for combing the shallows, and unlike a Texas-rigged swimbait, the jig fosters higher hooking percentages so long as you have the right rod, reel, and line combo. He shares a few additional points on how he fishes the setup, ranging from cadence to hook sets, and why it’s essential to manipulate the jig weed guard.
TACKLE USED
- Berkley Power Swimmer, 3.8″ Tennessee Shad
- Dirty Jigs Swim Jig, 1/4-ounce
- Abu Garcia Winch Casting Rod, 7’5″ Med Hvy
- Abu Garcia-Abu Garcia Revo Premier Casting Reel, 7:3.1 (discontinued), check out the Abu Garcia REVO EXD Casting Reel
- Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, 20lb
