Florida Fishing Leadheads
The leadhead jig is, in my opinion, the most versatile of all lures. You can use leadheads for all species of fish. The leadhead can be presented in the form of many different techniques. If you were to look in my tackle box I can guarantee that you will find at least five different types of jigheads.
The basic jighead designs are a ball jig, slider jig, hotlips jig, super grouper jig, flat head lima-bean jig, bonefish jig, bullet head jig, and arrowhead jig.
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The ball jig is used mostly for fishing in shore. I like to use them while fishing inlets, passes, and shallow areas with strong currents. The ball jig has a fast sinking rate and a very straight retrieve.
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The slider jig is flat on top with an oval belly. It’s made to be hopped or skimmed over shallow areas like grass beds, oyster bars, and flats.
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The hotlips jig is some what of a knock off from the ball jig. The main difference between these two jigs is that the hotlips jig has a small indentation in the very front. This indentation causes or adds a slight vibration while retrieving. The hotlips jig is easiest to use in shallow swift moving waters.
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The super grouper jig is a giant mimic of the bullet head jig. Weighing up to a pound and fished in waters as deep as 300 feet, it can produce very large catches.
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The flathead jig, also called the lima-bean or upperman design, is a flat sided jig with a wide profile. The flathead jig has a very slow sink rate and a slight wobble. While used mostly inshore it can sometimes be used offshore on schooling fish. The shape and action of the flathead jig makes it appear to be injured bait. It is best used in non moving water.
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The bullet head jig is the most common jig head used by Florida fishermen. It has very little resistance and sinks rapidly. Some anglers like to tip or bait these jigs with a plastic worm or even a piece of cut bait.
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The bonefish jig is a flatheaded design that is balanced so the hook is upright. This jig is mostly used to imitate a crab and rarely will ever get you caught in seaweed.
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The arrowhead jig is very popular when fishing for both bottom fish and open ocean Florida game fish. It has a very fast sink rate and when jigged it produces a sharp up and down action.