Vertical Jigging

Less popular than wire line fishing or downrigging, yet very effective, the vertical jigging method is perhaps the least expensive. But because it requires only the barest necessities, jig fishing is gaining in popularity.

When a suitable location has been found, positioning the boat is all it takes. Generally unrestrained, the boat is allowed to drift slightly, however, if winds create too much movement, the boat may have to be anchored. Anchoring should be done cautiously to prevent lodging of the weight between crags and crevices in heavy rock structure. In areas where anchoring is impossible you may be required to run your motor in reverse in an on-and-off manner just to hold your position against a strong wind. Casting heavy jigs with the wind and jigging back towards the boat is another method to compensate for wind problems and is very effective in keeping your jig on bottom.

In most lakes, lake trout relate to drop-offs, ledges, and side slopes rather than to the flat bottom areas of the lake. Jigging in and around these highly productive structures can be very rewarding when lake trout are actively feeding. Rhythmic up and down jigging, occasionally allowing the lure to touch bottom along side slopes, and letting the jig descend unrestricted, bumping and fluttering its way down, is a dynamite method. As well, simply lowering your jig to the bottom and winding it quickly to the surface often results in a strike, generally long before the fish gets to the surface. Rhythmic and sporadic jigging close to bottom which simulates the movements of an injured minnow will frequently result in fast action. With time and patient practice, these skills will be rewarded with lake trout action that you never thought possible.

Lake trout most often hit jigged baits when they are on the drop and sometimes take you by surprise when you raise your rod tip in the upward jigging motion. Late detection of a strike places your rod in an upward position with no place left to go. To salvage the strike, wind down as fast as possible and strike as quickly to prevent the loss of the fish. Because lake trout hit this way, I have found the use of a high-speed spinning reel very helpful in taking up line quickly when such surprises occur. A supple low-stretch line will ensure a good hook set.

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