Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig
I know that at this time of year a lot of folks are concentrating on fishing deep and slow or using finesse baits because the fish can be so sluggish from the heat. Today we’re going to take a look at the Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig. We’ve reviewed the Dirty Jigs finesse swim jig but this is a whole different animal.
The California Swim Jig is a big, beefy full bodied bait that is designed to be used in front of swim baits. I prefer four inch baits but you can stick a five inch or so behind this head and be perfectly fine. Now why would anyone want a jig like this? To give the fish a different look. It’s that simple and in the case of the California Swim Jig, gives them a bait that is designed to catch big fish.
Available Sizes
There are two sizes available, 1/2 and 3/4 ounce. The skirts are full bodied and are available in a large assortment of colors. The hook on this jig is large, stout and very sharp. It will handle the big girls without flinching as well as hold your trailer on without any problems. The weed guard is substantial but before you take out the scissors and give it a haircut, remember where you would use a bait like this.
I like to throw this bait right through vegetation. I know that sounds kinda crazy but that is where this jig is going to shine. You won’t use this to just clip the tops of grass of swim next to edges. This jig was designed to get into and through the thick stuff dragging a swimbait with it.
Action
The California Swim Jig is not a punch style bait. We found in our testing that where this lure is at home is in the slop. We would throw beyond or into pockets in the grass and then retrieve the jig right through the slop. Yes it will bang into and bounce off of anything that gets in its way but that’s the point. Get into those dense hiding place where big bass like to relax and get a reaction bite from them.
The next question is obvious. Is it necessary to use braid when throwing this lure? No, you can use heavy mono and do just fine. Remember though that not only are you casting a bait that is pretty significant by itself, but once the strike comes, you’re going to need a line that can haul ‘em through some slop. So choose carefully if your choice is not braid ‘cause when the big girls hit, you won’t want to lose them.
You can cover a lot of water using the swim jig without being overly concerned about hanging up or fouling on underwater structure. You can fish this bait shallow or deep or in between. You can fish it fast, slow or in between. You can use it as a search lure or target bass holding in slop. It really is a versatile bait.
The Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig is unique enough to give you a tool that fish haven’t been over exposed to and will put some pounds in your livewell.
| Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating |   |
| Fantastic jig for big bass in dense cover | |
See ya’ on the water …