How to Jig: The Basic "Pop and Drop" Technique

We often see new anglers casting a jig out and simply reeling it straight back. This is called "swimming," and it works—but it misses 80% of what makes a jig special. A jig is designed to bounce.

The Standard Retrieve

Here is the step-by-step method to start catching fish on the bottom:

1. Cast: Throw your jig out.

2. Wait for the Fall: Let the jig sink. Pay attention to your line; when it goes slack, the jig has hit the bottom. This is critical!

3. The "Pop": Gently lift your rod tip up (from a 3 o'clock position to a 1 o'clock position) to snap the jig off the bottom.

4. The "Drop": Let the jig fall back down while keeping the line slightly tight. Most fish will bite during this falling phase.

5. Reel and Repeat: As the jig gets back to the bottom (line slack), reel in the extra line you picked up during the lift, and repeat the pop.