Pitching & Flipping a Jig

A precise, short-range technique for placing a jig quietly into tight cover — docks, laydowns, pockets in vegetation. The lure enters the water with minimal splash, then falls vertically through the strike zone.

When to use it

Peak during pre-spawn (water 48–55°F) when bass stage near shallow cover, and again in fall as fish feed aggressively on points and laydowns before winter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Hold about 2 feet of line between the reel and the first guide.

2. 2

   Let the jig hang about 2 feet below the rod tip.

3. 3

   Swing the jig forward using a pendulum motion — release the line at the forward point.

4. 4

   Guide the lure into the target with your thumb on the reel (baitcaster) or a finger on the spool (spinning).

5. 5

   Let the jig fall on a semi-slack line — watch the line for any twitch or jump.

6. 6

   Once the jig hits bottom, lift the rod tip once and let it fall again.

7. 7

   If nothing after 2–3 hops, lift the jig out and target the next piece of cover.

Pro Tip

The bite usually happens on the fall, not the hop. Keep eye contact with your line at all times and set the hook on anything that looks unnatural.

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