Fishing with a lead jig head and soft plastic lure is one of the most popular methods of fishing on the Outer Banks. You will find anglers on the piers, bridges and even the surf utilizing this simple technique.
Jigging is the practice of retrieving a lead jig head with an attached soft plastic through the water at varying directions and speeds. And depending on the size and shape of the jig, the angler can cover vast amounts of water and all levels of the water column quickly. Additionally, by covering more area, this technique increases the chance for success.
The “jigging” method is designed to mimic a bait fish that may be struggling in the current. Two methods of jigging are a slow and steady retrieval speed with an occasional pause or intermittent pull, pull, pause. Either, initiates an aggressive strike. And during the pause phase that most strikes and hookups occur.
The jigging method can increase the success rate when the angler focuses on three important phases: the action, sound and vibrations, and smell and scent.
Jig head and soft plastic action is the most important. The speed or erratic behavior of jig head and soft plastic can quickly attract the attention of a target species. A hungry speckled trout or puppy drum can sense a struggling or wounded bait fish by its erratic movements. A slow moving bait can also be an easy prey for a waiting fish. 
Sounds or noise from a lead head pushing through the water or different configurations of the soft plastic can cause a significant vibration. Sound and vibration can travel great distance under water so any unusual sound will get the attention of a searching species.
Soft plastic bodies are designed to make specific sounds by the each manufacturer. For example, swim baits create a drumming sound as the paddle tail swings in the current. Twister tail plastics cause a high pitch tin-like sound. And a finesse plastics will give off a swishing sound. Each soft plastic has their own specific sounds when dragged through the water. So the angler should select the specific soft plastic body for each targeted species.
Finally, selecting the proper scent or favor for the soft plastic body needs to correspond with the specific bait fish in the water. Fish have a tremendous ability to smell. And they can sense a fish scent dozens of yards away. So when choosing a soft plastic always select one with the scent that is imbedded into the bait. Adding an after-market scent can also provide that smell although plastics designed with scent will retain that scent longer.
The key to successful jigging is to select the proper lead jig head action for the specific area and depth you are fishing. Select the soft plastic that can give off the right sound and vibration. Also very important for the angler to vary their retrieval rate frequently. And finally, make sure your soft plastic bait has the same scent as the other bait fish in the water.
Remember – when handling scented soft plastic baits, make sure your hands are clean. Don’t allow any body oils and suntan lotion get on you soft plastics. Any foreign substance may compromise your ability to fool your target.
Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony