Northwest Fishing Reports

hey guys got some jigging questions for ya, any help would be appreciated, this is mostly for les davis, browns pt and dash pt

1. what kind of line do you guys like to use when jigging from dock or shore? braided or mono?
2. do you use a leader or not? and if so, how long?
3. do you use a clip to attach jigs or do you tie directly to the jig?

I've never fished jigs off a dock but in the rivers you tie right to your main line. Braid has less give which results in better hook sets. I would suggest a 1/2 oz jig. But I don't know how well they will fish in the salt

I prefer braid (30#)with a 4'-6' mono leader (8-12#) which is then tied to the jig.

I always use a fluorocarbon leader when tying on jigs. If I'm fishing from shore I spin cast 20# Pline CX Mono mainline and use a 12# leader. I find the Pline casts better than other brands as its quite a bit thinner and fish can't see fluoro, improving your jig's presentation. From a boat I use a mooching rod and level wind with a line counter spooled with 50# braid mainline and a 30# fluoro leader. You'll be thankful for any leader if you snag and have to break off.

will trying straight to the knot affect action negatively? will a snap or swivel lower my number of strikes?

You'll probably get more tangles when you're jigging without the fluoro leader. The fluoro is stiffer than mono and will help keep your jig away from your mainline. Tie your leader to the jig and then the other end to a barrel swivel, then tying your mainline to that. I rarely use snap swivels but you can throw one on your mainline to allow quick leader changes. Don't hook a snap swivel to your jig. In the salt I do add a barrel swivel to the hook. It allows the hook on the jig to have more freedom if movement and the fish can't get leverage on the hook. I do that with my trolling spoons too.

thanks for your input!