Allegheny River Tionesta

Can't argue the live bait thingy.

I am however an avid fan of jigs. But first and foremost a firm believer that it is a must, an angler have faith in his bait live or not.

Second it is important that an angler understand his quarry.

Third an angler must have faith that his quarry exist in the area where he chooses to fish.

Fourth, an angler must have faith in his presentation, given his quarry.

If your looking to go "catching" fish in numbers and or bragging rights, your number one game plan is to fish pre-spawn conditions for your quarry.

If your looking to enjoy the outdoors and build fond memories along with catching a fish or two than your looking to go fishing.

Anyways, pending your quarry, jig size does matter given this time of year. But more importantly, the colder the water the slower your retrieve of your bait. As a wise Ole angler once said, if you think your retrieving too slow, than you need slow down.

Jigs are fun and can be presented in multiple ways but it is very necessary to keep a taught line the entire time the jig is sinking. Most strikes will occur as the bait sinks. Hopping your jig back or dragging the jig until you bump then hop the jig over the object can be deadly. Just remember, the colder the water, SLOW DOWN.

Try different retrieves but always slow.

I find, say for Crappy, a jig with few hairs an inch or two works good for me. While jigs tied heavy with 1" or less hair works good for smallies in the criks and rivers.

Large mouth like the longer thicker haired jigs when ya bump a sunken log or throw into a pile of wood. Use heavy thicker hair to serve as a weed guard at the hook and thinner longer hairs to represent your bait. Just don't overkill with the hair.

Always remember to have faith in your fishing cause guaranteed, something good will occur, giving you some great memories.

OH....and if you do not catch something, there's always a good reason....... stupid fish!!!

Tight lines and good times.