Utilizing Vibrating Jigs to Catch More Bass: Comprehensive Guide 2023

    Bass fishing is one of the most popular sports in the world, and one of the most effective baits to use is vibrating jigs. Utilizing vibrating jigs can increase your chances of catching more bass, and it is one of the easiest lures to use. 

    In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about utilizing vibrating jigs, including selecting the right jig, trailer, and color to help you catch more bass and enjoy this exciting sport even more.

Selecting the Right Jig

    One of the most important things to consider when selecting a vibrating jig is the weight of the lure. 

    The weight of the lure is crucial because it determines how the lure will move in the water. The heavier the lure, the faster it will sink, and the lighter the lure, the slower it will sink.

    The most common weights for a vibrating jig are:

• 3/8-ounce: Less than 4 feet, in shallow water.
• 1/2 ounce: Between five and eight feet.
• 3/4-ounce: Deeper than 8 feet, during summer or winter seasons.

If you are fishing in deeper water or in strong currents, you may need to go with a heavier jig. 

    On the other hand, if you are fishing in shallow water or in calm conditions, a lighter jig may be more appropriate.

    Another factor to consider when selecting a jig is the blade. The blade is what creates the vibration and movement of the lure, so it is important to choose the right one. 

    There are two main types of blades: the Colorado blade and the Willow blade.

1.     The Colorado blade is larger and slower, creating a deeper vibration that works well in murky water or low light conditions. 
2.     The Willow blade, on the other hand, is thinner and faster, creating a more subtle vibration that works well in clear water or bright conditions.

Selecting the Right Trailer

    When it comes to selecting the right trailer for your vibrating jig, there are a variety of options to choose from. 

    Some of the most popular trailers include flukes, grubs, craws, swimbaits, and other soft plastics in the 3-4 inch range.

    One of the most effective trailers to use with a vibrating jig is a swimbait. Swimbaits are perfect for imitating baitfish, and they provide a realistic profile for the lure. We suggest you watch this video from Mystery Tackle Box that presents Tips & Tricks about Fishing Soft Plastic Swimbaits To Mimic Baitfish.

    They also create a slim profile, which is perfect for fishing in deeper water or when you need to fish the lure faster.

    Another popular trailer for vibrating jigs is a craw. Craws are great for fishing in shallow water or in areas with submerged vegetation. They create a bulkier profile that mimics a crawfish, which can be very appealing to bass.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to The Best Jig Trailers for Bass Fishing.

Trailer Selection

    When selecting a trailer, it is important to consider a few key factors. These include the type of action you want to achieve, the water conditions you will be fishing in, and the forage in the area.

1. Action

    The action of your trailer can make a big difference in how the fish respond to your bait. Some trailers, like flukes or paddle tail swimbaits, have a lot of action and create a lot of movement in the water. This can be great for getting the attention of fish and enticing them to strike. 

    Other trailers, like craws or creature baits, have a more subtle action that can be very effective in cold or clear water conditions. Experiment with different trailer styles and actions to see what works best in your local waters.

2. Water Conditions

    Water clarity and temperature can also impact your trailer selection. In clear water, a more subtle trailer can be effective, while in murky water, a trailer with more action may be necessary to get the fish’s attention. 

    Similarly, in cold water, a slower presentation with a subtle trailer can be effective, while in warmer water, a faster, more aggressive retrieve with a trailer that has a lot of action may be more effective.

3. Forage

    The forage in the area can also impact your trailer selection. If the lake or river you are fishing has a lot of shad, a swimbait trailer can be effective in imitating that forage. 

    If there are a lot of crawfish in the area, a craw-style trailer can be a good choice. Pay attention to what the fish are feeding on and try to match your trailer to that forage.

Selecting the Right Color

    Color selection is another important factor to consider when utilizing vibrating jigs. Here are a few tips for selecting the right color:

• Match The Hatch

    Try to match the color of your trailer to the color of the forage in the area. For example, if you are fishing in a lake with shad, you may want to choose a white or silver vibrating jig to imitate the color of the shad. This can make your bait look more natural and increase your chances of getting bites.

• Go Natural

    If you are fishing in murky water, you may want to choose a darker color, such as black or brown, to help the lure stand out in the water. 

    Conversely, if you are fishing in clear water, you may want to choose a lighter color, such as white or chartreuse, to create a more natural look.

    It is also important to consider the time of day you are fishing. In low light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, you may want to choose a brighter color, such as orange or red, to help the lure stand out.

• Experiment 

    Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to see what works best in your local waters. Some colors may be more effective than others depending on the time of day or other conditions, so be willing to try different things.

How Do you Fish with Vibe lures?

    Utilizing vibrating jigs is one of the most effective fishing techniques that can be used throughout the year. This lure, also known as a chatterbait, can be fished in a variety of ways and has a unique action that can trigger strikes even when other lures aren’t getting any bites.

    The success of your fishing trip will depend on the right presentation of the lure based on the season. Here’s a breakdown of how to fish a vibrating jig by season:

Spring

    In the spring, fish are often in shallower water and more active as they prepare for spawning. A vibrating jig can be a great choice for targeting these fish, particularly around cover like weed beds or laydowns. 

    Try a slow and steady retrieve, focusing on areas with warmer water temperatures or where the sun is hitting the water. A white or chartreuse jig with a crawfish trailer is an excellent choice in this season.

Summer

    As the water temperature heats up, fish tend to move to deeper water to stay cool. In the summer months, you’ll want to focus on fishing a vibrating jig around structure like ledges or drop-offs, as well as any cover like brush piles or docks. 

    Vary your retrieve speed and try to mimic the action of a fleeing baitfish to entice strikes. A black or blue jig with a swimbait trailer is an excellent choice in this season. Read about our picks for the Best Bass Lures for Summer Fishing.

Fall

    In the fall, fish are once again on the move as they prepare for winter. You’ll want to focus on areas where baitfish are congregating, such as around schools of shad or near rocky points. 

    Vary your retrieve speed and try a stop-and-go retrieve to imitate a baitfish that is wounded or disoriented. A shad-colored jig with a paddle tail trailer is an excellent choice in this season. Don’t miss checking out our 5 Best Cold Water Bass Baits for Winter Fishing.

Winter

    In the winter, fish are typically less active and will be found in deeper water. A vibrating jig can still be effective in cold water, but you’ll want to slow down your retrieve and focus on fishing around cover or structure that offers some relief from the cold. 

    Try a slow and steady retrieve, and consider using a trailer with a more subtle action to entice strikes. A brown or green pumpkin jig with a grub trailer is an excellent choice in this season.

    In addition to these season-specific tips, it’s important to pay attention to the water temperature and clarity, as these factors can also impact the success of your fishing trip. Use these tips as a starting point and adjust your technique based on the conditions you encounter on the water.

Check our list for the 7 Best Early Fall Bass Lures to Catch Bigger Bass Now!

Final Thoughts

    Vibrating jigs can be an incredibly effective bait for bass fishing, but it’s important to select the right jig, trailer, and color to maximize your chances of success. 

    By considering the factors discussed in this guide and experimenting with different combinations, you can increase your chances of catching more fish and enjoying this exciting sport even more.