I often get asked the specifics of how to fish the football head jig.  I would like in the following article to lay out a few guidelines for the football head jig.

I would like to start off with a little history on the football head jig.  I probably get a call a week from people saying that they would like to buy the new jig they saw on TV, the football head.  This is a huge mistake; this jig has been around for decades.  Mostly popular in the north and west and in its early days called a roller or rock jig.  After a few bassmaster top finishes the football jig was finally recognized for what it has always been for decades a fish catching machine.  The popular use of gps units and the new emphasis on fishing offshore structure has also led to the explosion in the football head jig market. Before we get into the specifics of the football head jig I would like to say it is not a jig presentation for all applications.  It is not made to flip heavy cover or fish brush piles with unless you would like to keep buying jigs.  It is basically made to fish deep structure that has a rock or smooth bottom. 

When purchasing football head jigs two sizes dominate the landscape, ½ and ¾ ounce.  Lighter and heavier footballs will catch fish but these 2 sizes will cover most applications.  The ½ oz will get the job when there is not much wind and fishing anywhere from 20 to 40 foot deep.  If you get a day with heavy wind you will want to switch up to a ¾ oz and it is good for depths up to 50 foot. 

The presentation of the football jig is the key to catching fish on this bait.  There are many ways to fish it I personally like to drag it just like a Carolina rig.  With the rod pointed at the water I sweep the rod to the side moving the bait just a foot or two at a time.  Let the fish tell you how they want it, some days they will want it moved more than others.  Keep your jig in contact with the bottom at all times.  This presentation works for me about 75% of the time.   If this method is not working try working the football like a traditional jig, hop it off the bottom a foot or two at a time.

Color selection on the football jig depends on water clarity.  I tend to tell people when it comes to colors keep it simple.  In clear water use your more natural colors Cumberland craw, pb&j and green pumpkin.  In slightly off colored brown/orange and watermelon are good.  In darker water black/blue is the ticket.  None of these color selections are set in stone, use what you have the most confidence in.

The next part of this equation is the jig trailer.  I like to use twin tail grubs on the back of the football jig.  I usually use either a yamamoto or a chompers grub.  Believe it or not there is a difference between the two.  The Yamamoto grub tails will move more while pulling the bait less.  The chompers have less action and take a longer sweep of the rod to get them turning.  When working the jig in more of a hopping presentation paca craws work well.  Match the color of the trailer to the jig.

The next part of the equation is the line.  On the ½ oz model I would suggest using 10 or 12lb fluorocarbon.  On the ¾ oz I would use 12lb or 15lb fluorocarbon.  Fluorocarbon is really sensitive and will help you notice bites you might miss fishing mono.

The rod and reel you use on the football is very important.  A 7 to 7.5 foot medium heavy rod is usually good.  You will want a rod with plenty of backbone so you can drive the hook home.  The reel plays a big role as well.  You need a reel with a gear ratio of at least 6 to 1.  Many times when you get the hit on the football there is slack knocked in your line.  You need a reel that will take that slack line up fast to ensure a good hook set.

In conclusion, if you haven’t tried the football for deep water bass it is worth your time to give it a try.  It is not a cure all but is another method to add to your arsenal.  Good luck and good fishing.

Jeff Renneisen
Legal Limit Lures
www.legallimitlures.com