Steelhead Jigs – 3 Uses

Steelhead jigs, simple as they may be, have to be my favorite piece of tackle. There are endless variations. They cost very little. They can be used as simply as tying them on the end of your line or in more complex set-ups like “Bobber-Dogging”. Here is a quick overview of 3 uses.

Bobber Dogging Using Steelhead Jigs

Steelhead Jigs are commonly associated with “Bobber-Dogging”, certainly a favorite method for river bank anglers here in the Pacific Northwest. A balanced rig consisting of a sliding float, weight, leader, and baited steelhead jig, gets you right where you want to be in the river. This is great for that pink gummy worm or piece of shrimp. Just cast upstream and drift in the current, presenting your bait to your prey.

Soft Baits On Steelhead Jigs

Soft baits come in an almost infinite variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and the simple little steelhead jig is perfect for getting these baits out into the water. Match up your preferred jig size and color, and you’re ready to go. Just tie it straight to your main line and you have a strong, clean set-up that is easy to cast and place exactly where you want. My local lake has been productive with bass using 3″ motor oil and 1/4 ounce chartreuse yellow steelhead jigs. Flick it just outside the weeds or other cover, and the bass can’t resist. Often they will take the bait as soon as it hits the water. If not, let your jig and bait sink to the bottom, then twitch it back toward you. after three or four twitches, gently reel in your slack, and repeat.

Rockfish On A Topwater Bite

Living on the ocean gives me the opportunity to use steelhead jigs in an interesting manner. At times, the nearshore black rockfish rise to the surface. If the weather permits, we go out. Using somewhere around 20# test, we tie a steelhead jig straight to our line and add a softbait. Bright colors are most productive. Cast out behind the boat and just troll along the top. We did this while traveling between deeper water jigging locations. If the rockfish are up near the surface, your softbait and jig combo is a great way to catch them!

These are just three uses for steelhead jigs. I’m sure there are many more!

Be sure to check out our Steelhead Jigs HERE!