On the shelf of any tackle shop today you’ll find an array of lures that will dazzle you and make it hard to make a successful choice. There are holographic patterns, photo realistic shapes and designs, rattles, spinners, swimmers, divers and everything in between abound. There is no doubt that there are some very effective new patterns and designs on the market today, but if I had only one lure in my tackle box it would be a jig.

The jig is one of the oldest and most effective lures ever made, which explains why they have a prominent place in most anglers’ collections. Today’s jigs also come in a breathtaking array of shapes, sizes and colors with realistic patterns and live bait scents. And while there have been many advancements in design, the basic jig with a lead head and buck tail body is still effective and the go to lure for many anglers. That’s because if you have faith in the jig and vary the action, it's possible to elicit a strike from any game fish (fresh or salt) that swims local waters.

Jigs are often used half-heartedly by anglers who substitute them for live bait. If you take the time to really give them a chance, you’ll find that they will often outperform live bait. This may be hard to believe, but consider the facts. First you gain an advantage by not having to catch or keep live bait, you don't have to constantly re-bait a hook, and can cast and retrieve continuously, covering a greater area.

While you’ll need to vary your retrieve given the situation and fish you’re targeting, in general the best presentation is made by allowing the lure to sink completely to the bottom. Using a slow retrieve, bounce the jig across the bottom. This method is effective for a large majority of species including trout, redfish, grouper, tarpon, flounder and snook. A fast, jerky retrieve will produce better results on Spanish mackerel, Jacks, bluefish and ladyfish.

When fished properly, the retrieve should be smooth and effortless. Fatigue is reduced by holding the rod at about a 45 degree angle to the water, imparting action with the wrist and forearm. Don't allow much slack to form on the retrieve, as lots of strikes happen on the drop. Watch the line closely and you’ll know if you get a hit and when the jig is on the bottom as the line will go slack. With practice, the retrieve will become second nature. Since you’ll get lots of hits on the slack line fall, a sharp hook will greatly improve your odds. Sharpen your hooks before you start fishing and check them often. especially when fishing structure like rocks and oyster beds which can dull a hook.

One of the most productive areas to fish jigs is on and around the grass beds that carpet the bay. Make repeated casts in a 180 degree arc with about 10 feet between casts. This will allow you to cover a lot of water. Make casts to sand holes and the edges of slues. Cast beyond holes and let the jig bounce across the sandy bottom. Start at one end of the hole in the grass and then make the same spaced casts across its width to completely cover the pot hole. Don’t neglect the deep grass area’s often found at the ends of these holes.

Another excellent area to fish jigs is along the beaches, right up against the shore break and around any structure. Species like flounder, permit and pompano often key in on the puffs of sand that jigs produce when they strike the bottom.

The best spinning and bait casting outfits for jigging have a tip that can telegraph a subtle strike and enough backbone to set the hook. Jigs will take 100 plus pound tarpon, 20 pound snook or a four pound trout, so line and leader should be rigged accordingly.

Like other lures, there are a vast number of jig types to choose from. All of them can be effective, but color may be the most important characteristic. Fish can better locate darker colors in cloudy water and a light or clear color in clear water. Tailor the color of the jig to condition of the water. If you haven’t discovered the magic of jigs, you’ll find them efficient, inexpensive, and very effective. Test them on your favorite fish, and I’m guessing you’ll soon be hooked on jigs.