Using a diamond jig primarily involves dropping it to the bottom and retrieving it with a specific cranking action, a technique effective for various species like bass and blues.
Diamond Jigging Basics
Diamond jigging is a simple yet effective fishing method that utilizes a heavy, often reflective, lure dropped vertically in the water column. The key to success lies in controlling the lure's movement to mimic fleeing baitfish. Based on the technique described for targeting bass and blues, the fundamental steps are straightforward.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the core steps for using a diamond jig effectively, drawing from practical insights:
- Get to the Bottom: The first crucial step is to get your line right to the bottom. This ensures your jig is in the prime strike zone where many target species feed.
- Engage Your Reel: Once the jig hits the bottom, engage your reel. This prepares you to start the retrieve sequence immediately.
- Retrieve with Cranks: The active part of the technique is the retrieve. You then crank up seven to ten turns. This specific number of cranks lifts the jig off the bottom and through the water column, mimicking an injured or escaping baitfish.
This process of dropping the jig to the bottom and retrieving it by cranking seven to ten turns is a fundamental technique when diamond jigging, particularly noted as effective for targeting bass and blue fish. The rapid retrieve motion often triggers a predatory response from nearby fish.
Why This Technique Works
The up-and-down motion of the diamond jig, especially when retrieved quickly off the bottom, is highly erratic. This movement, combined with the jig's flash and vibration, makes it an irresistible target for active game fish hunting near the seafloor or in the lower water column. Cranking the jig up simulates a baitfish darting upwards, triggering strikes from fish positioned below or alongside the lure.
