How to Trim a Jig

Brandon Lester • December 27, 2023
Fishing

I've got a quick tip for you on how I trim my jigs for fishing in the wintertime. Wintertime water temperature is usually around 50-55 degrees, up around 60, or as low as in the 40s. I like a smaller profile in the wintertime, but I still want a flipping-style jig with a big, heavy Mustad hook and a good weed guard. I want to get in that thick, heavy cover where those fish like to live this time of year.

I have a jig that I just took out of the package, and it has a 4/0 Mustad hook in it. The skirt material is very long. When I hang my chunk on that jig, all that skirt material will impede the action of my trailer, whether I'm using a straight chunk-style trailer or a crawl-style trailer. I like to bunch up all that material right behind the hook and cut that skirt material straight across about a quarter of an inch behind the hook. When I hang that trailer on there now, it's got all the action in the world. It has more movement, and it looks more natural. A jig is a lead jig head with some rubber skirt material behind it, and all of your action comes from your trailer, so I don't want that skirt to impede the action of my trailer. That's how I like to trim mine.  

See the video above for a visual demonstration of how I trim my jigs. Y'all get you a jig, go flip some bluffs this winter--I think you'll catch some big ole' bass!

--Pro Angler Brandon Lester

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Brandon Lester

Brandon Lester is in his 10th year as a professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series. He was born and raised in Fayetteville, TN, and that is still where he calls home. Brandon was introduced to the outdoors by his Dad and Grandfather at a very young age. He grew up fishing creeks, rivers, farm ponds, and lakes throughout middle Tennessee and north Alabama. Besides his obvious love for fishing Brandon is also a very avid turkey hunter and also enjoys chasing whitetails in the fall and winter. Brandon is a family man and he and his wife Kimberly have two daughters, Leann and Shiloh who also enjoy being outdoors. During his downtime you’ll likely find Brandon and his family camping at one of the many great campsites that Middle Tennessee has to offer. 

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