Stroking a Jig
Capt. Mike Gerry describes a very effective jig-fishing technique with his own personal twist.

Over the past several years an effective technique for fishing jigs has evolved from the use of spinner baits, spoons and the like. It has become known as “stroking a jig.” For several years I have used similar presentations with jigs; not, maybe, quite as erratic, but very close to the new stroking technique.

The presentation is very easy to do. You just basically throw your jig out, let it sink to the bottom, rip it upward as hard as you can, and then let it fall again. Keep repeating it until the jig gets back to your boat.

This creates that erratic movement and quick jerk that many of us are doing with spinner baits and jigging spoons. If a bass is looking at it, that quick dart upward and then slower fall to the bottom will trigger a reaction bite. If you’re around cover or grass or wood, that movement then causes the jig to fall and deflect off the cover on its way to the bottom. It’s a very deadly presentation and will catch fish when they seem to be sluggish. The bite generally occurs when the jig is falling so keep your line semi-taut and remain in good contact with your jig as it retreats to the bottom.

My version of this is slightly different. I have a tendency to shake my jig as I lift it to free it from the grass and then let it drop before ripping it upward for the stroking motion. By combining the stroking action with some shaking of the jig I give it even more movement than just the stroking technique. I have found that the two movements combined is something the bass haven’t seen as regularly as a person who is dragging or hopping a jig. This presentation has become real popular on Kentucky Lake, and it has been used to catch good tournament fish on Guntersville as well.

Stroking a jig could be just what you need to wake up balky bass, turn around a slow day, or even win a tournament!

Captain Mike Gerry
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
Web: www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
(256) 759-2270