Knife Jig Fishing
When out on the Pacific Ocean, one of my favorite baits of choice and methods is knife jig fishing. When fishing deep spots at and around the islands, these jigs seem to buck the current. While heading through the water column knife jigs allow for yo-yo fishing. Rockfish hold in rocky areas, under outcroppings, and migratory species are looking for a quick meal. All are good possibilities when using knife jigs.
When fishing knife jigs, boats are just past or directly over rocky areas holding fish. When in the optimal position, the Captain tells fishermen to "let em go". At this point, you release the jig over the side in a free spool until the jig jigs something on the bottom. Ideally, you want to bounce the jig off the bottom or rocks where fish take notice and inhale the bait. A sharp jerk here and there also triggers bites especially when visibility is a problem. Visibility could be a problem down deep during night fishing or heavy overcast. At this point, the boat is drifting across the reef so a constant up and down motion will entice fish to strike. Fishermen catch multiple species using knife jigs during the same drift, showcasing the jigs' versatility.
Fishing Knife Jigs
When knife jig fishing my choice of line is 25-40 pound test monofilament. Fishermen drop knife jigs in or around 100 feet of water, and they must deal with line stretch as a reality. People often use a braided line, but it is harder to break off if your jig gets hung up in the rocks. My choice of mono has a lot to do with what happens if you break jigs off in the rocks. Braided line floats open up the possibility of fouling boat props or entangling marine animals. Any fisherman will tell you they hate losing tackle but accept the risk when fishing jigs.
It's also my preference to use single assist hooks fishing jigs less than 5 ounces. For any jig heavier than that, my recommendation is to use a double assist hook. Rear hooks are not an option because the jig will come in contact with something that may not be a fish. Hooks on the rear of the knife almost guarantee you will lose it.
Knife jigs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. I do not have a recommendation on what the "best" knife jig or color is but what I do know is they catch fish. Click the button below and see what our tackle store offers.
