Football Jig

The ultimate bottom-contact weapon designed to drag, crawl, and tick over rocky structure where trophy bass hide.

Knot

Palomar Knot

Target Depth

5-25 ft

Target Species

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassSpotted Bass

Where To Use It

LakeReservoirRiver

How To Tie / Assemble

1Tie your main line to the jig eye using a Palomar knot.
2Trim the weed guard to the desired length and stiffness based on cover density.
3Slide your chosen craw-style soft plastic trailer onto the hook shank until it sits flush against the jig head.
4Ensure the trailer is perfectly straight to prevent the jig from spinning during the retrieve.
5Apply a small drop of super glue to the bait keeper if you want the trailer to stay locked on for multiple fish.

Recommended Baits

Craw-style soft plastic

The industry standard for mimicking crayfish; use when bass are feeding on the bottom around rocks.

Twin-tail grub

Provides a subtle, fluttering action that is ideal for cold water or pressured fish when a aggressive craw action is too much.

Creature bait

Bulky profile moves more water and triggers reaction strikes from larger bass holding in deep brush or ledge structures.

Chunk-style trailer

A compact, classic choice that skips well and keeps the jig profile tight, perfect for targeting bass tucked into heavy dock pilings.

How To Use It

Cast to rocky points, humps, or riprap; let it hit bottom, then use your rod to slowly crawl or tick the jig over rocks rather than retrieving with the reel. Maintain constant contact with the bottom, mimicking a fleeing crawfish, and use a sharp upward snap if you feel the jig 'mush' or if line movement indicates a bite.

Why the Palomar Knot

Provides maximum knot strength for heavy-duty line and ensures the jig hangs perfectly vertical, maintaining the intended presentation.

Gear & Setup

15-20 lb Fluorocarbon line, 1/2 oz to 1 oz Football Jig, 3/0 to 5/0 heavy-wire hook, paired with a 3-4 inch twin-tail or flapping-claw soft plastic craw trailer.

Best Conditions

Best in pre-spawn to fall seasons on clear to stained rocky bottoms, particularly on windy days when current or wave action pulls fish onto hard structure.

Species You'll Catch On This Rig

Largemouth Bass

The ultimate American freshwater predator, the Largemouth Bass is the king of shallow-water structure and aggressive strikes.

Smallmouth Bass

The pound-for-pound king of North American freshwater, renowned for explosive aerial leaps and dogged, drag-screaming fights.

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