To practice jigging with a fast action rod, stand on a dock and raise the rod to about one o'clock. Cast while pointing to where you want your jig to land. Do not snap your rod as you would do with a soft or medium action rod, or you will end up firing your jig down at the water 6 to 12 feet in front of you. All you need to do is genially cast to the direction and area you wish to fish. Do not cast further than 25 ft, especially when using light jigs.

Another presentation that works even better than an overhand cast is the underhand cast or what is termed 'pitching'. This technique works especially well with small jigs and is more accurate in windy conditions. To practice pitching with a spinning outfit, strip out enough line to place your jig at the bottom of the rod, gently swing the jig in towards you, and then pitch it out like a pendulum. You should find this technique accurate for placing your jig in just the right place.

Once a fish is on the line, don't practise a terrible habit many fishermen have when landing a fish. I see this time after time, even from knowledgeable fishermen. The big mistake is reeling in the fish too close to the end of the rod. A number of problems arise. First of all, you are at one end of the rod and the fish is at the other. Now how do you get the fish? I've seen many anglers do the ol' hand-walk down the rod. This technique leads to lost fish and broken rods.

As your trophy catch reaches the boat, lift your rod vertically and reel until the fish is beside the boat. Now you have the control, not the fish. If it is a larger fish you will be in a better position to lip it or lift it into the boat. You will boat more fish and break less rods. (I haven't broken a rod in the last ten years using this approach)

I know, I know, some of you are saying: "what about my great ultra light rods, they give me such great action when fighting a fish?". Well, my only advice to you is through them away. These rods will only hinder your fish-catching ability. They're not as sensitive, you can't set the hook as fast , they're not as accurate when casting and they no back bone to land the fish before stressing it. I can't think of any application where soft-action rods have an advantage over the stiffer fast action rods.

Try these techniques and I'll guarantee you catch more fish. I DO!

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