Fishing with jig heads and soft plastics is an extremely effective way to catch big fish consistently.
I have been fishing with jig heads for many years now, and given the vast selection at the tackle shop, it can be a bit daunting knowing what to use.
Using them correctly can result in fish catches like this…

Fishing with jig heads can result in big barra
To begin, there are two main types of jig heads and both have different applications.
1. Fishing with jig heads - belly weighted.
Belly weighted jig heads are best used in shallow water.
The weight is on the shank of the hook and serves as a keel to keep the plastic upright.

Fishing with jig heads weighted on the hook shank.
Typically the hook sits inside the soft plastic lure, so they're ideal for weeds and heavily timbered areas.
Some have the weight closer to the head which makes them sink faster and is more ideal for fish hugging the bottom.
Mid shank weights flutter down more slowly and can be kept in striking distance of mid-water fish longer.
So keep an eye on your sounder when fishing with jig heads!
2. Fishing with jig heads - head weighted
Head weighted jig heads are for deeper water with the tow point on the top.
They have a protruding hook and as such, a great hook up rate - but the trade off is they will snag.

Fishing with head weighted jig heads

Fishing with jig heads to catch big barramundi
They are best in rubble and deep holes rather than fish aggregating tight on structure (due to the snagging risk)
The size of the jig head depends on the tidal run. I typically flick up current and jig slowly through the school.
3. Choosing the right size.
Choose the right jig head for the size of your soft plastic by holding it against the lure.
We demonstrate all three tips on fishing with jig heads in the video below.

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8 Comments
Léo wilkinson
September 27, 2020Great site–found it on Bush n Beach fishing mag
Chad
October 18, 2019We are fishing bass that are active and positioned on top of the weeds edge. I will choose to use the finesse jig head options as it will deliver my bait in a natural gliding action as it falls. Bait options that I will use will be Trick Sticks, Finesse Worms and Grubs just to name a few.
Tim
August 17, 2019I like to use the Skyline Torpedo Heavy Duty Jig Head with soft plastics they offer several weight and hook options. I like using all different size soft plastics and this jig head is perfect. I hope this can be of help to people https://www.skylinejigs.com/product/skyline-torpedo-heavy-duty-jig-heads/
Robert N. Tracy
July 11, 20191st time reader, fantastic range of information, very interesting and useful. As from Bargara, this info will be worth trying on our beaches up here, thank you, don’t stop posting.
Ryan Moody
July 23, 2019Cheers Rob glad you are enjoying the content mate
Katherine
June 3, 2019Wow! Lovely tips for the fishing anglers. I really appreciate this post. Actually, as a fishing angler, this post is very valuable to me. Thanks a lot for sharing this post with us and please keep this up!
michael hicks
August 25, 2018The Keitech swing impact fat you use for barra,would that be the 5.8? I guess the 4.8 would be good for jacks? Thanks for doing the video.
Emma Ryamond
August 26, 2018Hi Michael, you hit the nail on the head mate! Ry uses the 4.8 for jacks. With barra he uses all sizes but mainly the 5.8. Cheers 🙂
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